Rare Vintage Wheels Roll Into Alberta Museums

Feb 27, 2025 - 6 months ago

Lovers of historic vehicles are in for a treat as two Alberta museums reveal their latest donations - a horse-drawn steam-powered fire engine and a downright regal ride.

Rare Vintage Wheels Roll Into Alberta Museums — *The 1914 Waterous Steam Fire Pumper at the Remington Carriage Museum.*

The Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston is now home to a 1914 Waterous Steam Fire Pumper, which was donated by a local Calgary collector. Almost no others of its kind have remained intact. Adding to its rarity, the engine remains in fully functional condition.

The firefighting machine was built more than a century ago and spent some of its early years in Québec. It has since been painstakingly restored and donated to the museum where another smaller one like it is already housed.

Limo fit for a king
Meanwhile, a new addition to the Reynolds Museum collection in Wetaskiwin is getting a royal welcome – a 1939 McLaughlin Buick Royal Tour car. The custom-made stretch convertible has carried every British monarch in their respective tours of Canada since the late 1930s.

Donated by Byron Reynolds, the vehicle was one of two built by General Motors in Ontario for use by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II as they toured Canada in 1939.

It was used by Prince Charles and Princess Diana for the opening of Expo ’86 in Vancouver and by Queen Elizabeth II for the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Victoria in 1994.

Interested in vintage equipment and vehicles? Here's a list of what's currently available on SupplyPost.com, sorted by year (oldest to newest).

Major additions to the collection
Both donations represent a significant addition to the provincial museum collection and carry stories of their use and restoration throughout the 20th century. Furthermore, both vehicles were originally made in Canada, a trait that sets them apart from their U.S. counterparts and adds to their uniqueness.

“Albertans value the stories of our shared past and the artifacts that help bring those stories to life,” stated Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women. “As our museum collections grow, so does the depth of our understanding of that past.”

“It is thrilling for the Reynolds and Remington to be the recipient of such amazing donations,” said Noel Ratch, Director, Reynolds Museum. “These vehicles are each truly one of a kind and we thank the donors who made these historical treasures available for everyone to enjoy. I invite all Albertans to visit our museums to learn more about these, and many other, unique Alberta stories.”

Alberta’s government proudly owns and operates 20 museums and heritage sites as well as the Provincial Archives. Last year, Alberta’s government dedicated more than $52 million to the heritage sector to ensure Alberta’s rich history continues to be protected, promoted and celebrated.

Quick facts

The 1939 McLaughlin Buick was one of two built in Canada.
Built on a Buick limousine chassis, it includes a four-door convertible body, custom wood-grain dash and interior veneered moldings, tall canvas convertible top to accommodate ceremonial headgear, an electrically operated divider window, a dictograph with dash and signal light so riders in back and front can communicate, the Royal Crest, Shield and Standard, and a sterling silver vanity kit with co-ordinated umbrellas.
The Waterous Steam Fire Pumper was built around 1913 in Brantford, Ontario, and was bought second-hand by the Township of Pointe-aux-Trembles, Québec in 1917.
It was purchased by a Calgary collector in 1997 and was restored by a Michigan restorer. At that time, it was found to still be in working condition with no leaks. It includes 90 per cent original material with most of the restoration being cosmetic. Paint detailing was done based on uncovered paint layers found during the restoration process and archival photos of the engine during its use in Québec.
The Waterous Steam Fire Pumper is currently on display at the Remington Carriage Museum.
The Royal Tour car can be viewed at the Reynolds Museum as part of the behind-the-scenes tour program each summer.
The Reynolds Museum and the Remington Carriage Museum are open Tuesday through Sunday.

Source: Province of Alberta