Valdese’s first firetruck is rolled into the Waldensian Heritage Museum. The truck is part of an exhibit in the museum’s refurbished basement.
FOR THE PAPER
Two new pieces of Valdese history will soon be on display at the Waldensian Heritage Museum: a 1931 Chevrolet Cabriolet owned by the first mayor and the town’s first firetruck, a 1932 Mack apparatus normally seen in parades.
The firetruck is set to become the new centerpiece of an exhibit in the museum’s renovated basement alongside the Cabriolet. Both will be featured near the old Waldensian Bakery delivery truck.
“It just represents our heritage here, especially our town,” said museum Executive Director Gretchen Costner. “People will really be able to relate to the firetruck, (from) seeing it in the past. The car (Cabriolet) is just unique. You don’t see those anywhere.”
At 208 Rodoret St. S in Valdese, the Waldensian Heritage Museum is dedicated to the town’s history and that of its settlers, the Waldenses. The 12,000-square-foot space showcases photos, clothing, crafts, furniture, tools, toys, and more donated by early settlers and their descendants.
Costner has been in talks with the Rostan family about the Cabriolet for some time. They decided that keeping it in the museum would protect the vehicle and allow it to be seen for generations to come.
The first mayor of Valdese’s 1931 Chevrolet Cabriolet.
Photos FOR THE PAPER
“It would not start, so they had to tow it,” Costner said. “That was a little nervousness, getting it here, but it came in and did wonderfully.”
Costner said people were lined up down the block, watching and filming as the vehicle was transported.
The car originally belonged to John Long, who was the first mayor of Valdese. It then passed to Henry M. Curville and his wife, Madeline Curville. They used it for everyday life, taking it to church, local stores, and the bocce courts.
After Henry died, the Cabriolet was given to the Curvilles’ niece, Naomi B. Rostan.
The Cabriolet was fully restored in 1982 and was driven around Valdese by the Rostan family. Costner said that every owner of it has been of full Waldensian descent.
The firetruck has been kept at the fire station for years, Costner said, and was only brought out for special occasions like Valdese’s Christmas parade.
The firetruck stopped in the middle of a parade one year, Costner said. It had to be pushed the rest of the way.
The new exhibit is not yet ready for the public. Open house and a ribbon cutting are scheduled for Aug. 7 at 1 p.m.
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