Bonham, Texas -- The Bonham Fire Department and the Fannin County Museum of History welcomed lots of visitors to the Museum and Museum grounds on Saturday to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Fire Department and the 150th anniversary of the first train to arrive in Bonham.
Bonham Mayor H. Compton welcomed the crowd from the restored caboose, praising the Fire Department for its service to the citizens on Bonham. Sparky, the Fire Department mascot, was also there for the greeting. The Mayor was taking a break from participating in Bonham’s Great Day of Service, which was also taking place on Saturday morning.
The Fire Department, including Chief Scott Ridling, cooked 350 hot dogs which were provided free to the crowd.
Folks of all ages attended the event, with many, many kids enjoying the outside activities, including two bounce houses, face painting and a story time provided by the Bonham Public Library.
Larry Standlee, Chairman of the Fannin County Historical Commission, dressed as a train conductor, gave tours of the caboose and handed out train whistles.
Families and others toured the Museum. When asked what they liked best, many said “Everything!” Most had never visited the Museum before, and many said they would be back. Kids had the option of a photo on the Museum’s antique fire engine with Sparky.
The Bonham Fire Department and the Museum have long had a close relationship because of the wonderful fire engine (which fought the 1929 Courthouse fire) at the Museum.
Many thanks to the Bonham Fire Department for sharing the anniversary celebrations with the Museum.
If you missed the event, you can visit the Museum Tuesday – Saturday noon – 4:00 p.m.
photos by Katie Morrow