What value do we put on an old fire truck?

Part of me says that if you haven't used something for two or three years, you get rid of it.

But, if it's your dad's watch or your grandpa's hammer the other part of me says you don't.

At Monday's Du Quoin City Council meeting, commissioners gave the go-ahead for what amounts to a surplus property yard sale, although some of it will go to the highest bidder.

There's an old street department truck that is leaking oil because of a bad main seal. It needs to go. There are dozens of other pieces of equipment, office fixtures and other things that no one will use again. But, among the "stuff" at Firehouse 2 is the 1953 Ford F800 "Big Job" open cab fire truck that is scheduled to be part of the sale. It's probably worth more parted-out with its beautiful chrome bell, glorious siren, hose reels, chrome gauges and flow handles and certainly the front bumper and grill with its "V-8 Engine" logo than its value as a truck.

But, could it be worth even more as an old fire truck taking up space on the back shelf of station No. 2. as Du Quoin's tribute to the men of the fire service? Restore it, over time, as a parade vehicle or is there still a "WOW" factor to something that was this well made in its day?

You decide.

But, to help you decide you might be interested in knowing that this was the first NEW fire truck Du Quoin ever bought, built from the ground up by Towers Fire Equipment of Freeburg, Ill. It was one of two made. When this truck was built for Du Quoin fire chief Auggie Schneider , the cab was cut off and the windshield lowered so you could back it in under the door of the firehouse at the old city hall. After it was retired, it was outfitted with benches so kindergarten kids could ride through Du Quoin during Fire Prevention Week. We don't do that anymore because some parent might sue the city if a child tumbles off the step stool climbing on board.

If "D15" goes on the auction block it will be a bargain for someone in love with the great history of the fire service. If not, it's a great piece of Du Quoin history taking up a little space that we decided to hang onto because we respect what was.