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Writer's pictureRyan Jakubowski

Take Me There Tuesday: Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum, Bay City, MI.

Who doesn't love looking at old antique vehicles, toys and FIRE TRUCKS. Are you a kid at heart? Do you have a son or daughter o your own who want to share an amazing memory with? If so, this is the place for you. Located just down the road from the USS Edson Museum in Bay City, Mi.

at 3456 Patterson Rd, Bay City, MI 48706


The front of the museum instantly will draw you in and want to find out more about what is inside. Out front there are multiple fire trucks, old equipment and gas tanks. As someone who has a love for antiques and firetrucks, this place was a gold mine! (All photos taken by Ryan Jakubowski)



The museum was founded by Jimmie Dobson, who had an unwavering passion for collecting fire trucks. What began as a personal collection of firefighting memorabilia in the 1950s blossomed into something extraordinary. Jimmie’s joy in collecting fire trucks led him to share this enthusiasm with the Bay City community. As you enter the main lobby, you are greeted with an amazing race car as well as hundreds of race car models! Want to grab a memory of your visit on the way out? Check out the great selection of T-shirts, Model cars, Keychains and more that they have to purchase!



As you move into the next room, you can see some antique firetrucks to start off the tour, as well as some old water tanks and trucks used to put out fires. The care that is put into these relics is so wonderful to see. There is history from all over Michigan within these walls, many of which have gone and saved properties and lives in the past.



The Antique Toy and Firehouse Museum houses an impressive collection of over 60 motorized fire trucks. Among them stands the awe-inspiring FDNY Super Pumper, often referred to as the “T-Rex” of fire engines. This museum proudly boasts the largest assembly of fire trucks globally, making it a must-visit for fire truck enthusiasts and history buffs alike.


The FDNY Super Pumper System was a revolutionary firefighting apparatus developed in the 1960s to enhance the New York City Fire Department's firefighting capabilities. Here's a brief history of the FDNY Super Pumper:


  • Development and Design:

  • The concept of the Super Pumper was conceived by Jerome Lemelson, an inventor, who approached the American LaFrance company to develop a high-capacity pumping system for firefighting.

  • The Super Pumper system was designed to provide massive water flow rates to tackle large fires in New York City's skyscrapers and industrial areas.

  • Components:

  • The system consisted of several components:

  • Super Pumper: A specially designed pumper truck with a 8,800 gallons per minute (GPM) capacity, far exceeding typical firefighting pumpers of the time.

  • Tender: A support unit carrying additional hose and equipment.

  • Satellite Hose Units: These were trailers with large-diameter hoses that could deliver water from hydrants or other water sources to the Super Pumper.

  • Deployment and Use:

  • The FDNY acquired the Super Pumper System in 1965. It was stationed at the quarters of Engine 32/Ladder 9 in Manhattan.

  • The system was primarily used as a backup for major fires, providing high-volume water supply to firefighting operations.

  • Its first major deployment came in 1966 during the fire at the MSG-5 warehouse in Manhattan, where it demonstrated its capability to supply large amounts of water over long distances.

  • Legacy and Influence:

  • The Super Pumper System influenced firefighting tactics and equipment design globally, demonstrating the effectiveness of high-capacity pumps and large-diameter hoses.

  • It served as a symbol of technological innovation and readiness in firefighting during its operational years.

  • Discontinuation:

  • By the mid-1980s, advancements in firefighting technology and changes in operational strategies rendered the Super Pumper System less relevant.

  • The system was gradually phased out, and the original components were either decommissioned or put on display in museums such as this one.


More Than Just Fire Trucks

But that’s not all! The museum isn’t solely about fire trucks. It also features an extensive assortment of 12,000 antique and collectible toys. Many of these toys are fire, police, and rescue vehicles, adding a delightful twist to the museum experience.



A Legacy of Preservation

The Dobson Family, longtime residents of the Mid-Michigan area, generously invested in preserving the region’s history. They’ve partnered with various historical societies and museums to share and safeguard Michigan’s emergency responder heritage. If you’re interested in collaborating with their mission, don’t hesitate to reach out.




Once your done exploring the museum, be sure to take the amazing ride in a firetruck around the block! Strap on a helmet, jump in the back seat and watch the smiles on your kids faces as they take in the full experience!