Kenosha’s first motorized fire engine

Creator

Pirsch Company

Date

• ca. 1910

Summary

• A postcard showing Kenosha’s first motorized fire engine, made by Pirsch. It was constructed on a Jeffery “Rambler” chassis. It was named the “Mayor M. J. Scholey” and remained in service until September 25, 1924. 1910.
• Starting in 1857, Nicholas Pirsch began producing fire engines and ladders. By 1970, the Pirsch Company became the largest United States manufacturer that focused exclusively on the production of fire equipment. Feeling competitive pressure from foreign companies, Pirsch stopped operations in 1986 and declared bankruptcy in 1987.