Historic fire: Goldblatt’s fire in Mt Prospect, 1977 (pt1)

This message is from Drew Smith:

These photos are from the Goldblatt’s fire at Central and Rand Roads in Mount Prospect on Sunday, February 6, 1977 (I think I mentioned it was 1976 in a previous comment). They show both Glenbrook’s and Mount Prospect’s Snorkels in action. The Glenbrook Snorkel is seen before it was sent to Pierce for a new cab and chassis, still in its original yellow paint.

I thought I had a photo of Rolling Meadow’s Snorkel at the race track, but I can’t seem to find it now.

I recently came across this page that shows a ¾ shot of the Rolling Meadow and Libertyville Snorkels. You can check it out here: http://yngfire.com/index.php?topic=2952.0

Drew Smith

Deputy Chief

Prospect Heights Fire Protection District

Randhurst fire at Goldblatt's in 1977

Drew Smith archives

Randhurst fire at Goldblatt's in 1977

Drew Smith archives

Randhurst fire at Goldblatt's in 1977

Drew Smith archives

Larry Shapiro has shared some great images of the Snorkel units mentioned above.

75' Snorkel from Glenview Rural FPD

Glenbrook FPD 1968 Ford/Pierce 75′ Snorkel before the rehab. Larry Shapiro photo

Glenbrook FPD 75' Pierce Arrow Snorkel

Glenbrook Snorkel 8 received an enclosed Pierce Arrow cab and new paint scheme in 1986. Larry Shapiro photo

American LaFrance Aero Chief Snorkel

Mount Prospect Truck 2 was a 1964 American LaFrance 900 Series 90′ Aero Chief Snorkel with a 1,000-GPM pump. Larry Shapiro photo

American LaFrance Aero Chief Snorkel

Rolling Meadows 1970 American LaFrance 90′ 1000 Series Aero Chief Snorkel 630 had a 1,000-GPM pump. Larry Shapiro photo

These images give a great visual history of how these specialized ladder trucks were used in the area over the years. It's always interesting to see how technology and design evolved, especially with the changes made to the Snorkels in the 1980s. If you have any more photos or stories related to these units, feel free to share them!

Bucket Protection

Lip Bucket Shroud,Lip Protector,Lip Guard,Bucket Edge Protector

Jiangsu Origin Machinery Co., Ltd , https://www.originmachinery.com