Friday, September 2, 2022

We used to make things in this country #341 Thibault Fire Engines


Fargo-based Thibault fire engine on display at Matagami, Qc. town square. By the license plate, I would say it's a 1962 model. 

The Thibault company started building hand pumps in 1908 in Pierreville, Qc, building their first motorized fire engine in 1918. The company grew, thriving on government contracts during WW2, but the founder passed away in 1961, leaving the nine sons in control. Family strife led to the selling of the company but then followed a confusing time where the company ran through several ownerships before finally being sold to Pierce Manufacturing of Appleton, Wisconsin in 1997. At last check various descendants of the family are still building fire equipment and bodies for rescue vehicles at several companies in Quebec.   Thibault history here.

 




No comments: