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Post by fdbuster on Aug 16, 2007 11:59:40 GMT -5
  HISTORY OF THE “TURTLES” RACING TEAM In 1959, the firemen traveled to Tupper Lake to participate in their first Northern New York Volunteer Fireman’s Convention. As they viewed other departments actively taking part in the drill team races, they mutually agreed to form their own team. In the next monthly meeting, this idea was presented to the membership and accepted. The following year, 1960, prepared and ready for competition, the drill team labeled “The Louisville Grasshoppers”, swarmed the streets of Massena for the annual Northern New York Fireman’s Convention. After the races, they observed a turtle race in progress. Inspired by the speed and motivation of one lone and determined tortoise, a new image was created for the team. From this point on they were known as “The Louisville Turtles”. Racing Team Drivers John Locke 1960-1962 Joe Brady 1962-1968 Paul Shirley 1968-1970 Sandy Roberts 1970-1989 Racing Team Statistics The Louisville racing team won their first tournament in Norwood, in 1971. They won their first convention in 1977. They continued this honor in the years 1980, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1986 and 1987. In 1980 they were undefeated in twelve straight meets. This feat was repeated in 1984 and 1986. The Turtles were overall point champions for the northern division from 1978-1987. They were St Lawrence County Convention Champs from 1972-1979. The Turtles hold one state record and several northern records. Motor Hose Replacement 16.88 (Electric) Louisville Clayton 8/14/82 (Retired) Lyle Furnace Sr. was the teams hydrant man from 1963-1987. |
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Post by beavertail on Aug 16, 2007 23:08:55 GMT -5
It is great to see that the turtles are going to be back on the track with the boys from Northern. As a young boy growing up around the sport i always remembered my father ( Our driver for Lake Placid) saying to the team at the time " Watch those Turtles boys! if we can do it like them we should be able to pull a few points out of the day" Now that my father has retired after 28yrs of driving he said to me yesterday maybe i should come back and drive on more year with my old Pal Sandy. Because the rumor is Sandy is coming back and if thats true next year we better do some serious practicing.
Best of luck to the Turtles and next years season. If you guys ever want to come and practice with us or need any advice please let us know. We are only 45 minutes away! And out track is always open.
Ryan St.Louis
Lake Placid Panthers
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Post by my2cents on Aug 27, 2007 19:19:16 GMT -5
Beavertail
Check your pm's
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Post by turtleracing on Aug 28, 2007 9:13:08 GMT -5
I know this may sound strange but I am wondering if anyone may have pictures of the Louisville Turtles team around 1977 looking for a picture with my father in it.
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Post by turtles on Aug 30, 2007 12:21:59 GMT -5
I'm an active member nof the Louisville Fire Dept. and I am preparing for the 50th Anniversary.
Anyone with stories, newspaper articles, pictures or anything else from the last 50 years of the Louisville Fire Deptartment e-mail me at LVFD2410@yahoo.com. Anything on the racing team is great, but all history is appreciated. You can also visit the new website at louisvillevfd.org.
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Post by turtleracing on Dec 1, 2007 10:16:01 GMT -5
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Post by 14calumet on Dec 6, 2007 19:22:27 GMT -5
Glad to see some pics how are the trucks comming?
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