Fire Truck Campaign
Park Ridge Historical Society
721 N. Prospect Ave.
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 696-1973
info@parkridgehistorycenter.org
The First Ceremonial Fire Truck Donation
Dedicated to Firefighters William Ahrensfeld Sr., William Ahrensfeld Jr., and Robert Luebbe
The Ahrensfeld family has roots in Park Ridge that go back to the late 1800’s. And from this family came no less than three Park Ridge firefighters: William Henry Ahrensfeld Senior, William Henry Ahrensfeld Junior, and Robert “Bob” Luebbe.
The Ahrensfeld family home was located several blocks north of the Pickwick Theater in the footprint that is now occupied by St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Their home was moved to make room for the “new” St. Luke’s church that was built in 1928. Kathy Phelan, granddaughter of “Big Bill” Ahrensfeld, recalls hearing that there was a bell installed in the family home that would ring when there was a fire in town. The entire family would ride with Big Bill to the firehouse just down the street. Since Park Ridge was a lot smaller back then, the family would then walk to the fire and watch their father assist citizens, other firefighters, and ultimately extinguish the blaze. Gladys Ahrensfeld (a founding member of the PRHS), Nadine Ahrensfeld Luebbe and Rita Ahrensfeld Phelan often responded to fire calls and served coffee to the firefighters at the fire scene. For the Ahrensfeld family.…firefighting was a family affair!
Ralph Bishop, retired Park Ridge Fire Department Captain and PRHS member, tried to buy the 1934 Pirsch in 1959. Kathy Phelan shared that her mother, Rita Ahrensfeld, also tried to buy this vehicle. At that time, the selling price was too high for one individual or one family to purchase the truck. But now, thanks to many generous citizens in town, we are bringing her home. Here’s to you grandma!
This first donation was made on behalf of the William Ahrensfeld (Sr. & Jr.) and the Robert Luebbe descendants. These men were active members of the Park Ridge Fire Department and drove the 1934 Pirsch fire truck. The fire department was a big part of the families’ lives. We are thrilled that the Pirsch is back home in Park Ridge for future generations to learn about the historical significance of the Pirsch fire truck.
Family Members & Descendants supporting the Fire Truck Campaign:
Mike and Cathy Popenhagen & Family
Scott and Tammy Popenhagen & Family
Rob and Jaime Popenhagen & Family
Cynde and Matt Eldridge Palmer & Family
Barbara Luebbe Popenhagen
Lynn Luebbe Steinman
Cherie A. Summersgill
Mary (Deed) Luebbe Eldridge
Pat Phelan
Kathy Phelan
Mary Phelan
The Park Ridge Historical Society is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible under Internal Revenue Code Section 170 as allowed by law.
