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Old Settlers Association begins construction on fire engine museum

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By Kelsey Wilkinson Thursday, 14 May 2009

Members of the old volunteer fire department and members of the Old Settlers Association turn the dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new firehouse museum May 13.

One of Round Rock’s historic icons will finally have a home. A 1938 Ford fire engine that was used by the Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department until the 1970s will be housed in a new vintage-inspired firehouse at the Old Settlers Association grounds at 3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd. in Round Rock. The building will also house an old pump truck used by the fire department, as well as other firehouse memorabilia.

“I’m elated to find a place to keep this equipment,” said Jean Bustin. Bustin, 85, is one of the oldest surviving members of the former volunteer fire department. She was part of a team of women who helped to manage the department during the 1940s while many of the men fought in World War II. “It means a lot and I am grateful they will be able to preserve it.”

After the vintage truck was retired, it was restored and is now used for parades and other Williamson County and Round Rock special events. The truck was previously stored on the land of one of the volunteer’s sons outside of town. Members of the volunteer fire department said they worked hard to find the truck a home in Round Rock.

The Old Settlers Association is meant to preserve and revive the history of Williamson County, Michna said.

Members of the Old Settlers Association and former members of the Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department, including Buslin, turned the dirt at a groundbreaking ceremony for the museum May 13. The building is scheduled to be completed by July with a ribbon cutting ceremony planned during the Old Settlers Association's 106th Annual Celebration on July 11.

The 1938 Ford fire truck that will be housed in the new museum, which is scheduled for completion in July. “Initially it will just be a shell,” said Randy Michna, Old Settlers Association grounds manager. “We're hoping to gradually add to it.”