MICHIGAMME -- Through raffle tickets, rummage sales, and cash donations, the town of Michigamme has paid back its loan for the steamer fire engine they purchased back in 2007.
The Michigamme Fire Department used the steam fire engine from 1900 until the mid-1950s.
After circulating among various collectors for decades, township officials brought the steam engine back, under the agreement that the $150,000 amount would be paid back in full.
"It was a lot of hard work for three-and-a-half years," said Charlie Gardner. "It was a lot of work, especially in the beginning, to have this type of a commitment out there and to pay off $150,000 in this economy in the little town of Michigamme--year-round population, 370--was quite an endeavor."
Gardner says for now the steamer will be stored in the Fire Hall.
There are plans to fund-raise for a building that would permanently display the steam engine.
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