FRANKLIN
A significant piece of history for Franklin firefighters waits patiently for a new moment in the sun.

The effort to restore a 1938 Ford engine pumper continues, and profits from the Franklin Fire and Rescue Volunteer Golf Tournament will go to aid in that project.

The pumper, equipped with a spare ladder and hose, held 500 gallons. Because it had to stay within city limits for the water supply, the vehicle had less than 4,000 miles when it was retired from service in 1984. That’s according to Jerry Beaton. Starting out as one of the first paid firefighters in 1962, he now volunteers in training other crew members.

“People had been talking about it [restoring the engine] a long time, even before I retired,” Beaton said, adding that he and other firefighters had been pushing the issue until the effort really got going about three years ago, which is when the first benefit golf tournament was organized.

Although the pumper is usable now, Beaton said it needs considerable amount of work on the engine, body, tires and paint. The cost is estimated at $80,000, and so far up to $12,000 to $14,000 has been raised, so work would be done in stages.

When the restoration is finally completed, it will be preserved as a museum piece or could be displayed during parades, he said.

The tournament is scheduled for Friday, June 10 with registration at noon and shotgun start at 1 p.m. at the Valley Pine Country Club in Lasker, North Carolina. Cost for teams of four players is $200.

Sponsorships are available, Beaton said. For example, a business can be highlighted at the first or 10th holes, for a few hundred dollars,

Team prizes will be $300 for first place; $200 for second place; and $100 for third place.

A 50/50 raffle, live auction and provided dinner will also be featured.

For details, call Jerry Beaton at 742-2956; Terry Vick at 304-1187; and Phil Sherman at 650-8655.