As a part of the Manhattan area 4th of July, 2001 celebration, the Manhattan Fire Department unveiled its newly restored fire hose cart and pulled it in the Keats Kansas 4th of July parade. The cart had last been pulled in a Manhattan 4th of July parade 115 years ago.

With the advent of horse drawn equipment the cart was eventually replaced finally ending up in a landfill. The hose cart had been discarded and was rediscovered by then Firefighter Paul Lewis in about 1947. The cart was returned to the Department where it was stored there for many years in an extreme stage of disrepair.

The cart was rebuilt by fourth generation wheelwright David Suhling. Mr. Suhling is an expert woodworker and avid tool collector and had worked for many years at Silver Dollar City.

The restoration was financed by the Manhattan Sunflower Lions Club. Fire Department members contributed to the restoration efforts by completing the finish work on the cart.

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