Members of the Ryan Township Fire Company in Barnesville are displaying their 1859 Studebaker Water Wagon during their 75-year celebration and block party being held today and tomorrow (Saturday, June 6, 2015) at the fire house.
Normally stored at the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society in Shenandoah, the wagon was brought out to help celebrate the fire company’s 75 years of existence.
Firefighters stated that the fire company’s 500-gallon wagon is one of the last known of its kind in the world.

The wagon, which was last used in the 1930’s in the township to wet the roads around the old Lakewood Park, required the use of 2 or more horses or mules to pull it.
Fire company member Bob Taiko and his late father Pete worked together to restore the old wagon to its current condition. Taiko added that he hopes to continue to display it to the community.
The original fire house was located down the road from the current fire house. The building is still there and is currently occupied by T-N-T Magazine next to the Brown Bag on State Route 54 across from the old Lakewood Park (where they used to have the Bavarian Festivals).
Firefighters added that back in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, the fire company was very well know for it’s marching unit.
The 2-day block party lasts from 4 PM to 11 PM on Friday and features DJ Kristin, and 4 PM to 11 PM on Saturday with County Line performing from 7 PM to 11 PM.
In addition, the fire company will be holding at firefighter apparatus parade at 3 PM on Saturday.
The fire house is located at 945 Barnesville Drive (SR54).
Their Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ryan.twp.fire.rescue26.

Click HERE to view the group photo on Facebook.