“Old Betsy” Miami Springs Fire Truck 1926-1940 – (Photo courtesy Miami Springs Historical Society and Museum.)
1943 photo of former Miami Springs Mayor & half brother of Glenn Curtiss Carl Adams at the wheel of the chemical fire truck used by the city from 1926 when it was purchased from the City of Coral Gables to 1940. Old Betsy’s chassis was dated 1922. When the City of Miami absorbed the Little River fire department she was sold to Coral Gables, where she remained until 1926 when Miami Springs bought her. She had a four-cylinder Ford engine. Her rear tires measure 33 by 5 inches but her front tires were the old 30-inch size. Her chemical tank had been removed and a compressed air tank was installed by Adams. Adams purchased the truck for $20 from the city, put a new paint job on it and parked it at his service station on the Miami Springs Circle at Palmetto Dr. “Old Betsy” was credited with helping to save many homes during it 13 year service to the city. Standing on the back of the truck are former Miami Springs Chief of Police and town superintendent Hugh Frank and Carleton Ellsworth Vice President of the Miami Springs volunteer fire department
Visit the Miami Springs Historical Society and Museum The Miami Springs Historical Society is located at 501 East Drive in Miami Springs.
Miami Springs Historical Society Museum
Address:
501 East Drive
Miami Springs, FL 33166
Directions:
From the Palmetto, exit at NW 36th Street and head East on NW 36th Street. Continue East on NW 36th Street and make a left hand turn (North) on East Drive. Continue North until you reach 501 East Drive.
From I-95, take I-95 to State Road 112 Westbound. Exit State Road 112 at NW 36th Street. Continue west on NW 36th Street until you reach East Drive. Make a right hand turn at East Drive (North). Continue North on East Drive until you reach 501 East Drive.
From Hialeah, take Okeechobee Road until you reach East 4th Avenue. Turn south on East 4th Avenue and cross the bridge into Miami Springs. Take the center lane and continue south onto East Drive. You’ll see Stafford Park on your left hand side and then the entrance to the Museum Parking lot at 501 East Drive.
Map to the Miami Springs Historical Society
Miami Springs Historical Museum Hours
The Museum is open each Saturday (except Christmas & New Years) from 12 Noon to 4 pm.
Entrance is FREE!
Donations are welcome.
