Sioux City Cosmopolitan Fire Truck
In 1965 the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club was chartered, and through the years they have promoted the club with an antique fire truck. One of the earliest uses of the firetruck was to park at 4th and Pierce Streets where the club members would sell ice cream bars.
Through the years the main function of the firetruck was to be an attraction entered in local parades with members walking next to and riding in the firetruck. Throughout the years there have been at least three firetrucks. The club has spent much time and resources to keep the firetruck in working order. The present truck is a 1934 Ford. The firetruck is yellow, with the Cosmopolitan emblem emblazoned on it.
The Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club firetruck had been temporarily parked because it needed multiple repairs. Before it was parked the firetruck had trouble completing the parade routes. When the truck got good and warm or hot, it would limp rather than run. One club member suggested we ask the parade organizers to have the Stockman Towing Company be the entry in front of us, so they could hoist the firetruck on their towing rig if it decided to quit.
The club considered selling the firetruck, but decided to endeavor to invest in the old and beautiful motor vehicle. With the help of several mechanically-skilled members repairs were made. The engine and brakes were repaired. The wheels were repaired and powder-coated. New tubes were attained for the tires. An electric fuel pump was added.
Some of the members dressed up the firetruck for the Sioux City Holiday Lighted Parade. Those mechanically-skilled members rigged up holiday lights. Oh, did that truck glow as she moved along the route! Our current president, Joe Bousquet, was given some repair cash for using the firetruck as a decoration for another group’s gathering.
The firetruck is not available to respond to Iowa brush fires or spraying water on the top story of the Ho-Chunk Center in downtown Sioux City, but can be seen in front of the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Train Show in March. It is ready for area parades. The firetruck will be present as Cosmopolitan members from throughout North America gather for the Cosmopolitan International Convention in downtown Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.A.
The Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club has invested in a firetruck to promote our club. Also, the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club has invested in the Sioux City community. But more importantly, the Sioux City Cosmopolitan Club is investing in the needs of those afflicted with diabetes. Our firetruck is a sign and symbol of who we are. The firetruck has needed assistance, a little help from its friends. The community living with diabetes needs a little assistance. May we find a cure for diabetes. May we continue to assist diabetics in need as we gather at the firetruck to ride (or maybe push) it to a cure.
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"The Club That Fights Diabetes"
Sioux City, IA 51103
United States of America