Coming Home '33

Creating a protective showcase for Gray’s 1933 Chevrolet fire truck in the heart of Gray Village.

Gray Historical Society envisions an addition to the original firehouse at One Main Street to house this vintage truck, bringing it back to its first Gray "home". The new space will feature one wall of showcase windows, effectively enhancing an historic landmark Gray property.

We need YOU to make this work. It takes a community to:

Showcase & preserve our vintage 1933 Chevrolet Fire Truck The brick firehouse at One Main Street was the first home of our vintage fire truck when it arrived in Gray in 1933. By extending the the first floor of the Gray Historical Society building, together we can “bring it home” to rest permanently within the landmark Fire Museum at the heart of Gray Village. Celebrate & honor our own “Hometown Heroes” Nearly everyone knows a firefighter or rescue worker. They are our family, friends, co-workers, and the heart of every community.  These special men and women respond to a stranger’s call for help without hesitation and serve with pride and compassion. Within the walls of the Fire Museum, we will celebrate these heroes and publicly thank them for all that they do to keep us safe. For the first time, we will have an area for people to express their gratefulness in photos, notes, and personal GFR memorabilia. Commemorate & preserve the History of Gray Fire Rescue An expanded museum will create new spaces for memorial displays that tell the story of Gray Fire Rescue from the 1880’s to the present using photos, artifacts, apparatus, equipment and visual media that the museum already possesses but has insufficient room to display. Through these exhibits, we hope to thank these hometown heroes, remember those fallen in service, and inspire young people to become firefighters.

Gifts of any size are appreciated!

Donate today via:

• GoFundMe
• Direct Check/US Mail
• Transfer of Stock

History of '33

Gray’s 1933 fire truck was the first motorized fire apparatus in the Gray Fire Department. It wasn’t until the great fire of 1921 and another major fire in 1927 in the village area, that burned and threatened many structures that citizens and town officials realized that a pumper truck was needed. Finally in 1933 a truck was purchased and housed in the original fire house in Gray village. The truck now known as the 33’ antique was active for more than 25 years, responding to fires from the brick fire house at 1 Main Street.

Since then, the '33 antique has been under the care of the Gray Fire Rescue Department Association members. The truck has undergone a major restoration and has been active in special events and parades in and around Gray. The Gray Historical Society plans to bring the 33’ antique back to the village, and showcase it in an addition to the existing fire museum at the historical society building. The 14’ by 28’ addition will feature large glass windows on the west Gray side of the wood and brick faced structure. The addition of the museum will create additional space for fire department history.

Upon completion of the addition, the '33 antique will be brought home and displayed for all to see. The truck will continue under the care of the fire department association and be taken out for events and parades.

Funds are needed in the amount of approximately $50,000 to complete this project.

GHS is seeking contributions of labor, materials and contracted work.

Help us achieve this goal by sending contributions to:

Gray Historical Society
Fire Museum Expansion
PO Box 544
Gray ME 04039