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Merv Criser
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
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February 11, 2007--There are places in Wichita that are little ‘jewels’. Merv Criser and a
dedicated band of volunteers have helped make one of those ‘jewels’ a reality. It’s old Engine
House number
six --- now a firemen’s museum containing the rich history of those who protect our property and save our
lives. |
“We thought they were going to tear this station down, but we all got together and decided this is what needed
to be done and we just got after it.”
When Merv Criser goes to the Firemen’s Museum on South Broadway, he’s no stranger.
“I guess being a retired fireman is just part of my makeup to be interested in fire fighting equipment and
memorabilia and history. |
The former firefighter has 400 historical artifacts stored here.
“History is something you can’t replace. I love old cars and old fire trucks.”
Plus, he was the ram rod who over saw restoration on this 1921 fire truck. |
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“It’s been completely restored, from the frame up. It was donated to us from the Garden City Fire Department.”
This museum is the hard work of many volunteers who have spent countless hours restoring, repairing and saving
Wichita’s Fire Department history…
“It’s the last horse drawn fire station in Wichita.”
But time and money are never on their side.
“It’s a hidden treasure and people don’t know about it. We encourage people to come and visit us.” |
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For guys like Merv whose personal history is now intertwined with this museum....’
“It represents a tremendous amount of pride in all of us who have worked on this endeavor.”
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Sitting in the restored truck that he and other volunteers saved…is a moment of special appreciation.
“A lot of power, this thing is only 90 some horsepower, but 500 cubic inch engine, it’s so powerful you just
give it a little gas and it takes off.”
As I found last summer during a fireman’s parade utilizing the old truck.
“They don’t make ‘em like this any more.”
But it is the museum itself that is the heart and soul of all the work of the volunteers.
“I can smell the history, yes I can.”
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Their hope is that the rest of Wichita will see what volunteers like Merv already know – history is worth
saving.
“It’s a good feeling.” |
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The Firefighters Museum is located at 1300 S. Broadway in Wichita…the current hours are 11-3pm on
Saturday and by special appointment. |
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