The New Windsor Fire Department is proud to announce that the restoration of our Hose Cart and Ladder Wagon is complete. The restoration was done by Leola Coach Shop in Leola Pa, The process started in August of 2020. It took approximately 1 1/2 years for the coach shop to actually start on the project.

The Hose Cart was done first, then a couple of months after it was finished the Ladder Wagon was started. On both pieces broken or rotted wood was replaced, the wood spoke wheels and bearings were rebuilt, missing or broken metal pieces were fabricated or cast and replaced, and the paint was stripped and both were repainted in their original NWFD color schemes.

History of the Antique Hose Cart and Ladder Wagon

When the NWFD was formed in December 1908, two hose carts, and some equipment were purchased for $75.00 from the Independent Hose Company in Frederick. This purchase was completed in early 1909. The smaller cart is displayed at the Frederick County Fire Museum in Emmitsburg.
The Ladder Wagon was built by the Department's first president Charles T. Repp, who was a blacksmith in New Windsor. It is believed that the ladders for the ladder wagon were possibly purchased from the ladder factory that was in New Windsor, although this has never been verified. The ladders were delivered in April of 1909, which is verified by a newspaper article in the Carroll County Historical Archives, although it does not say who they were purchased from.

Many thanks go to member Tom Holland, for spearheading this project. Thanks also to members Drew Strine and Richard Hooper for additional support. If you are not a member of the NWFD, stop by or call to set up a tour for yourself or any size party, so you can check out these wonderful pieces of New Windsor Fire Company History.