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 1926. 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, with Mo Anderson and his team of volunteers investing hundreds of hours. A responsible budget for restoration and storage was supported by the NBHS board.
When the restoration was completed in 2021, the Historical Society now had a historic vehicle for use in events, such as the Independence Day parade in downtown Northbrook, the Northbrook Farmer’s Market and the Village Community Commission’s Flamingo 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. There you can also find a display containing further information on the truck’s history and Reiland & Bree history.
