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Selectmen accept donated restored 1875 fire engine, enunciator valued about $205,000
Summary
The Board of Selectmen voted to accept a donation from Dave and Christine Bowers of a restored circa‑1875 steam-powered fire engine and a circa‑1908 Gamewell fire alarm enunciator, appraised for insurance at roughly $205,000 and to be housed at the Wolfeboro Firehouse Museum.
The Wolfeboro Board of Selectmen voted on March 19 to accept a donation of historic firefighting equipment from Dave and Christine Bowers to the Wolfeboro Firehouse Museum.
Gene Denoux, representing the Wolfeboro Historical Society, described the provenance of the items and their restoration history, and introduced the society’s new president, Louis Shiner. "They found this 1875 fire engine...it was in terrible condition. They bought it, had it restored, and donated it…to be put in the museum," Denoux said.
Denoux said the items have been on loan and on display since about 1982 under an existing agreement that will be updated to reflect town ownership. He said the Bowers provided an appraiser’s report and asked that the town include the appraisal in the transfer paperwork.
Selectmen moved and seconded a motion to accept the circa‑1875 restored four‑horse Amaskeg fire engine and a circa‑1908 Gamewell fire alarm, "valued for insurance purposes at approximately $205,000 from Dave and Christine Bowers," with a procedural reference to RSA 31:95‑b(3)(a) for acceptance of unanticipated funds. The motion passed on an affirmative voice vote.
The Historical Society said the museum building already has alarm and smoke detection systems, an attendant when open, and other protections specified in the long‑term lease. Donors and society representatives said they will provide a printed copy of the appraisal at the time of formal transfer and will sign a standard donation acknowledgement that states no goods or services were provided in exchange for the donation.
Selectmen thanked the donors and Historical Society for the offer and directed staff to complete the required paperwork and provide the appraisal to the donors.
