Reiland & Bree were truck manufacturers who opened a factory in Northbrook at the southeast corner of Walter Avenue and Waukegan Road in 1923. Our truck is a dump truck which is believed to have been built in 1927. Reiland & Bree is responsible for building a chassis for a Persch (located in Kenosha) engine & pumper, thus establishing the Northbrook Volunteer Fire Department with its first automated pumping engine / fire truck.
The restoration of this particular truck happened over the course of several years. This was a passion project during these years, with Mo Anderson and his team of volunteers leading the charge. A responsible budget for restoration and storage was supported by the NBHS board.
When the restoration was completed in 2021, the museum now had a vehicle that we could use in events, such as the Independence Day parade in downtown Northbrook, or at other events like the Northbrook Farmer’s Market and the Village Community Commission’s Flaming Friday!
Nowadays, the Reiland & Bree truck is stored with the Northbrook CHamber of Commerce & Industry over at the old Civic building on 1st Street and Walters Avenue. You can find it in their garage along with a display containing information on the truck’s history and Reiland & Bree history.
