The memory still shines in Al Whitton’s mind like a fresh wax job on a shimmering fire truck.
It was 1960, and Whitton recalls a young version of himself visiting the Sandy Springs fire station with his YMCA Indian Guides group. The station’s centerpiece was a 1955 Ford F-800 fire truck. Enthralled by the rig, the saucer-eyed boys stared in gee-whiz delight, some climbing aboard, others clanging the bell.
Now 52 years later, Whitton is on a mission to bring that truck back to its former glory.
These dreams, however, cost money. Think $30,000. So Whitton and childhood pal Tony Garstin have devised a fundraising plan: A Memorial Day concert starring bands from their youth, The Atlanta Rhythm Section and Wet Willie. These groups will be igniting their stash of ’70s FM radio staples at Heritage Green in Sandy Springs near the site of the fire truck’s former home base.
Whitton’s home base is no longer Sandy Springs. The retired land developer now divides his time between Cleveland, Ga., and Montana. Yet, he still has a soft spot for the area and visits often, waxing nostalgic with his parents, who still reside in the same house at the corner of Abernathy and Brandon Mill where Whitton was born and raised.
The idea to find the truck sprang to life out of a conversation during one of his visits back home. Whitton was chatting about the truck with John Vickers, a former Sandy Springs volunteer firefighter. The significance of the vehicle dates back to ’55 when it became Sandy Springs’ first fire truck, a gift from the City of Atlanta. It was finally decommissioned in 1980 and sold in auction.
Vickers and a handful of the surviving firemen who actually worked on the truck toyed with the idea of finding it. They made a bet with a Sandy Springs historian. If she could find its location, they would pool their funds together and buy it.
After much sleuthing, it was found in December 2010. The F-800 had been sitting in a field in McDonough for 30 years. Trees had grown up and around the truck serving as some sort of natural prison for this piece of small-town history.
The former firemen ponied up $1,200 and rescued the truck from its demise. Chainsaws were needed to cut away the wooden clutches holding the vehicle down. A tow-truck ride later and the F-800 was back home in Sandy Springs. Whitton created a nonprofit group to act as owner of the truck.
And now the real work begins. Only so much restoration has been done due to limited funds. Whitton and others have donated their own money and time, but have a long way to go.
According to Whitton, it needs new brakes, and the engine and transmission both require rebuilding. Some 30 years of unrelenting weather have done a number on the truck’s body. To get that original sparkle and shine it’s going to require sandblasting, priming and painting. Since this F-800 features a rare open cab, the elements haven’t been kind to the interior. The seat and other fixtures need replacing. Don’t forget other improvements including the gold lettering on the outside, chrome for the bells, new lights and a wooden ladder. Whitton is also looking for a donated space in Sandy Springs where this work can take place.
“What little money we’ve had come forward for the project has dried up,” Whitton said.
That’s where the Memorial Day concert comes in. Whitton, who’s been organizing school reunions, teamed up with Garstin, a veteran of the music business. After a short conversation, the pair thought a benefit concert for the truck would be a natural.
Local nostalgia will run deep there, too, with a pair of bands from Southern rock’s heyday. Guests can reserve tables on the first, second and third rows, or simply kick back on blankets and lawn chairs. Headliner Atlanta Rhythm Section will likely dip into its more familiar material, including “So Into You” and “Imaginary Lover.” Expect the band’s contemporary, Wet Willie to do the same with its trademark tune “Keep On Smilin’.” Guitar slinger Tommy Talton, known for his collaborations with Chuck Leavell and Gregg Allman, opens the event.
Despite the revelry, Whitton is quick to point out the reason the event is happening on Memorial Day.
“As a veteran, it’s a special day to me,” he said, “because we’re celebrating the lives of the men and women who lost their lives keeping this country free.”
Military recruiters, West Point grads, firefighters, police offers, Boy and Girl Scout troops and others will be in attendance. Whitton is even arranging an aircraft fly-over to kick off the festivities.
This all goes hand-in-hand with Whitton’s grand plan for the truck. While he wants the restored vehicle to be used in parades and other special events, he would like to see it converted into a burial truck. The vehicle could be used during funerals to take fallen veterans, police officers and firefighters to their final resting spots.
“I think it would be a great fitting, working duty for this truck,” he said. “It all boils down to the love for the fire truck and hopefully getting a community involved with the awareness that the fire truck does exist.”
3 p.m. May 28. $25; $500 front row tables for six; $400 second and third row tables for six. Heritage Green, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs. 706-865-1214, www.memorialdayjam.com.
