First Pony Car

 

From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show there is a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda - easily identified by the distinctive fastback wraparound rear glass.

Based on the Valiant the Barracuda launched on April 1, 1964. The new model used the Valiant's wheelbase, hood, headlamp bezels, windshield, vent windows, quarter panels, doors, A-pillar, and bumpers; the trunk and some of the glass was new.  The greatest effort was put into creating its ginormous rear window, a collaboration between Pittsburgh Plate Glass (PPG) and Chrysler designers that created the largest ever installed on a standard production car to that time.  The fold-down rear seat was a novelty at the time.

The power train was identical to the Valiant's, including two versions of Chrysler's slant-6 engine.  The highest-power option for 1964 was Chrysler's all-new 273 cu in (4.5 L) V8 equipped with a two-barrel carburetor producing 180 HP.  1964 was the first for the Barracuda and also the last year for push-button control of the optional Torqueflite automatic transmission.

Later generations, like the third generation introduced in 1970, moved to the Chrysler E-body platform and featured more aggressive styling and muscle.

Fun Fact - The Barracuda launch beat the Ford Mustang by two weeks; it's the first

Pony Car. 

Henry Ford Got It Right

From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor show there were a couple of Ford Model Automobiles - the car that succeeded the iconic Model T.

The Ford Model A was introduced on December 2, 1927, as the replacement for the long-running Model T, which had been in production for an amazing 18 years. 

 

The Model A was designed to be lower and sleeker than its predecessor, incorporating styling elements influenced by Edsel Ford. It featured a more powerful and smoother four-cylinder engine compared to the Model T, and included mechanical advancements like a three-speed sliding-gear transmission, four-wheel brake system, and hydraulic shock absorbers. 

The 1928 Model A was an immediate sensation upon its release, and Ford received 400,000 orders in less than two weeks. Production remained strong through the early years of the Great Depression, with over 1.2 million cars built in 1930. 

The Model A was produced until 1931, with production ceasing in late 1931 for passenger cars while commercial vehicle production continued into 1932.  It was replaced by a new line of cars featuring V-8 engines in the 1932 model year. 

 

The presence of these two automobiles at the Brussels Town Park is further evidence that Henry y

Ford got it right.

Crown Vic

 

From the 4th Annual BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show there is a 1956 Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria, a classic American car known for its stylish two-tone paint and sweeping chrome trim. Specifically, the "Victoria" model was a pillarless hardtop coupe—distinctive for having no fixed door frame between the front and rear side windows, giving it a sleek, open look when the windows were down.

If you're at an auto show a handful of identifiers include the "Fairlane" script on the front fender, the distinctive "V" shaped emblem with a crown (a 1956 Fairlane trademark) and the two-tone paint and heavy chrome detailing, common in mid-1950s American automotive design.

The 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria arrived at a pivotal time in American automotive history, representing the optimistic, forward-looking spirit of postwar America.  This model was unveiled in 1955 and named after Henry Ford’s estate, Fair Lane, in Dearborn, Michigan.

Until the introduction of the Galaxie in 1959 this was Ford’s top-tier model which enjoyed an intense rivalry with the Chevrolet Bel Air.  The 1956 version featured a new safety focus, including optional seatbelts, a padded dashboard and a Deep-Dish steering wheel to reduce chest injury in a crash under the "Lifeguard Design" safety campaign—pioneering at the time.

The drive train ranged from a 223 cu in (3.7L) inline-6 to a 292 or 312 cu in (4.8–5.1L) V8; offering respectable horsepower for the time.  Transmission options included a 3-speed manual, Ford-O-Matic (automatic), and even overdrive.

This is a smart-looking drive from whence I arrived on the scene.

Dead To Rights

From the BUG Firefighters Car And Motor Show - behold 1953 Buick Super Hearse.  

Identification includes trademark features such as the signature "toothy" chrome grille - very distinctive for Buicks of this era.  VentiPorts; the three chrome portholes on each front fender identify it as a Buick Super (Roadmasters had four).  Sweeping side trim was classic to Buick’s early '50s styling.

The extended rear cabin and high roof line are indicative of those models manufactured specifically as a limousine - and convertible to hearse or ambulance use. 

This baby still has the original 6 volt electrical system, straight 8 engine and Dynaflow automatic transmission.

It's for sale - $18,000 OBO.

People are dying to own it....

 

Airport Limo

From the BUG Firefighters Car and Motor Show last weekend there is this.  

This is an eye-catching restoration of a previously customized factory automobile — a stretched limousine based on a late 1930s Chevrolet, likely a 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe or LaSalle modified into a limousine-style ride.

This is not a factory vehicle but a custom stretch, originally modified for an airport or funeral limousine.  It features streamlined art deco design - the chrome detailing and sweeping lines are typical of late-1930s GM styling including a raised roof line.  This was likely added for additional headroom and dramatic visual impact.   

LaSalle, introduced in 1927 by General Motors, was intended as a more affordable and sportier alternative to Cadillac. In 1937, it was equipped with Cadillac V8 engines. 1940 was the final year for the LaSalle nameplate as Cadillac offered a similarly priced model under its own brand. The 1939 model year, with its long vertical grille and bullet-shaped headlights and side grille work for engine cooling is considered particularly iconic. 

Present day upgrades include a performance engine and drive train and custom seating and upholstery.  

It's a pretty cool ride. 

 

Car And Motor Show

 

Possibly the biggest small town car show in northeast Wisconsin. 

B.U.G. Firefighters Rock!

Today delivered perfect weather for the 4th Annual Show featuring two live bands, food, beverages, and a mind-boggling array of antique, classic and new automobiles, tractors and motorcycles.

I'll post some pics over the next week or so and with the assistance of AI likely provide some details and backstory on what you're look'n at.

See you one the flip side!   

1961 Volkswagen Type 2 - also known as a Microbus, or Kombi. The split windshield indicates it's from the "Splitty" generation (officially the T1), produced between 1950 and 1967.  This model features the safari pop-out windshield windows and white bumpers.  It also happens to be a pick-up version. The rear features two side panels and a tail gate when latched in the upright position conform to a pick-up tub.  They fold down to also create a flatbed. Clever! 

High Tech Fire Fighter

Welcome to the new Incident Command Vehicle for the Brussels, Union, Gardner (BUG) Fire Department.

The custom ride is designed to be first to respond to an incident.  Not only will it handle communications and logistics; it houses a high pressure, single operator, fire suppression system that breaks down water droplets into a fine mist known as a water mist system.  It works by creating tiny water droplets with a large surface area, allowing them to rapidly absorb heat from a fire and effectively extinguish it while using significantly less water than a traditional fire hose.

With the flip of a switch it also has capacity to lay down foam.

The Brussels Lions Club, local business and individuals contributed funding for this acquisition. 

Brussels Lions rock.
 

Scorched Earth Policy

Last Wednesday afternoon, on very short notice, and with the window of opportunity rapidly closing it dried out sufficiently for us to conduct a prescribed burn.

You're probably scratching your head over the notion of someone deliberately setting something on fire beside a BBQ grill.

Drip Torch

Over several generations it has been an accepted practice to suppress Ma Nature's use of fire to maintain the natural order.  While suppressing fire will bring a smile the face of Smokey Bear it also has unintended consequences.  Without the impact of fire combustible fuel accumulates on the landscape making any fire event more dangerous.  Witness the devastating wildfires in California, Colorado and other states.  

 

So, at usually three year intervals, we have a professional burn crew set fire to the seven acres of grassland  wildlife habitat that constitutes our backyard.  This removes combustible material that is close to the house and has other benefits that I'll enumerate.  

Our local BUG Fire Department authorized the burn and both their leadership team and county dispatch is kept informed of the timing.

A controlled burn accomplishes a number of things.  Included among them are:

1. Fire removes excess fuel (built-up thatch) thereby reducing the risk of an out-of-control wildfire.
2. Fire returns valuable nutrients to the soil
3. Fire kills undesirable woody vegetation, invasive plant species and the blackened earth warms-up quickly in the spring sunshine stimulating the growth of desirable native plants
4. Following the application of fire the resulting flush of desirable plant regrowth is a benefit to wildlife – including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds.

Photos and video clips.....

 

Burn crew

 

Back burning against the wind

 

 

 

Setting the head fire with the wind

 

 

 

Resulting blackened surface

 

 

This Burn is for the Birds

Monday afternoon, on very short notice, and with the window of opportunity rapidly closing it dried out sufficiently for us to conduct a prescribed burn.

You're probably scratching your head over the notion of someone deliberately setting something on fire beside a BBQ grill.

Over the years we have suppressed Ma Nature's use of fire to maintain the natural order.  While suppressing fire will bring a smile the face of my pal Smokey Bear it also has unintended consequences.  Most recent among them have been the devastating wildfires in California and other states.  So, at usually three year intervals, this practice is performed by a professional burn crew on sensitive wildlife habitat.  Plus it removes a boatload of combustible material that is close to the house.  

BUG Fire Department authorized the burn and was in the loop at all times.

A controlled burn accomplishes a number of things.  Included among them are:

1. Fire removes excess fuel (built-up thatch) thereby reducing the risk of an out-of-control wildfire.
2. Fire returns valuable nutrients to the soil
3. Fire kills undesirable woody vegetation, invasive plant species and the blackened earth warms-up quickly in the spring sunshine stimulating the growth of desirable native plants
4. Following the application of fire the resulting flush of desirable plant regrowth is a benefit to wildlife – including insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds.

Photos and video clips.....

Burn Crew

Starting to back burn from the west

 

Continuing the back burn

Commencing the head fire from the south

Letting it rip with head fire from the east  

Prime contractor does terrific work

  
The aftermath on our Tuesday morning walk - blackened, scorched earth.  I'll perform some touch-up work with my new Mini Dragon.

Fire Station Number One

click on images to enlarge

If you ever wanted to see a community gather-together, absolutely busting with pride, today was one of those days.  After several attempts a referendum was passed to modernize the two fire stations for the Brussels Union Gardner Fire Department. 

Fire Station Number One – located just outside of the town of Brussels – is a brand new facility replacing the old, worn and cramped fire station located in town. 

It is now home not only to the fire department but county emergency services including the Door County Sheriff.  For the first time ever 24/7 staffing of an ambulance has begun for this Southern Door community. 









There was a terrific turnout of the community, an open house with tours, a formal dedication of the facility complete with all of the appropriate recognition of fulltime emergency services personnel and an all-volunteer fire department. 

 

 

 

The local parish priest was called-upon to bless the facility and all those who serve.  I also learned something today – who Saint Florian is. 











St. Florian—an officer in the Roman army - was put to death for refusing to kill Christians as ordered by Emperor Diocletian.  He was martyred.   According to the legend - during his life - Florian put out a massive fire with only one bucket of water, saving a village from ruin.  Many years after it is said that a man was saved from a deadly fire when he called on St. Florian, begging for his intercession.  As a consequence St. Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.

Ice Drinkers Rescued

In further news from around here - last week four guys from Illinois had to be fetched from the ice near the town of Gardner after a crevasse in the ice formed stranding them on the bay.

The Coast Guard, Sheriff's department, Brussels-Union-Gardner and Sturgeon Bay fire departments responded to the call for help.

Nobody was hurt.  

Details - including pictures - here.

Fire Rescue

While watching the parade of ships enter the Surgeon Bay ship canal last week for the Tall Ships Festival I spied this vessel.

click image to enlarge

Rescue boat for the the BUG (Brussels, Union , Gardner) Fire Department.

B.U.G

 click image to enlarge

Brussels, Union, Gardner Fire Department - B.U.G. for short.

Not sure what they're doing here for sure but these are they guys that have to bring their own water to the fire.

Learn more at the B.U.G. Homepage and on FaceBook.

Side Pork Fest

click on images to enlarge

Belly/Side/Side Pork - The belly, although a fattier meat, can be used for steaks or diced stir-fry meat. Belly pork may be rolled for roasting or cut for streaky bacon - Wikipedia

Of course if you live in Brussels, WI you can build a festival around this cut of pork and raise money for your local volunteer fire department.

In the big cities there always seems to be buckets of money laying about for the fire department to have virtually anything they want.

In Brussels, or any other small town in America, volunteer fire departments are always holding fundraisers to make ends meet.  A succession of brat frys, chicken BBQs, pancake and porkie breakfasts are routinely scheduled to purchase a defibrillator or two, pay-off a grass truck, fire engine, tanker or finance an air boat to fetch stranded ice drinkers from the Bay.

The BUG (Brussels, Union, Gardner) Fire Department held their first Side Pork Fest today.

The Frau and I went over there in the afternoon to take-in this gastronomical event.  A hamburger topped with side pork on a bun-$5.  Side pork dipped in chocolate-$2.  Side pork straight-up-$1.  Pitcher of  Bud-$8.

Live music at the ball field with the Kentucky Headhunters as the closing act.

For any of you who have never grilled side pork on your Weber it is a messy proposition.  Flames and smoke everywhere.  But very tasty.  And considering the flare-ups probably not a bad idea to have the fire fighters doing the grilling.

Simply lay your slices on the grate, sprinkle liberally with Lawry's Seasoned Salt.  Grill until crispy and serve with catsup, BBQ sauce, mustard, grated Parmesan or whatever.

Yum! 

Sidepork Fest was no different - only gigantic in scale.  I inquired about how much of this greasy delicacy was on hand for the event and was told that the fire department had 1000 pounds of it on hand for grilling.

Returning home it was showers all around. We both felt like we had a molecular layer of grilled pork fat all over...