In doing research at the local Historical Society. I learned that Alex Stewart, Jimmy's Dad was a volunteer fireman for forty years ~ from 1909-1949.

The West End Fire Company was across the street from the Stewart's Hardware Store and was situated on the corner of Philadelphia and Ninth Streets. Ironically that location is now occupied by the Old YMCA building (completed in 1913) which houses the Indiana Free Library and the Jimmy Stewart Museum.

For authenticity of the items used in the painting, my gratitude to the Indiana County Historical and Genealogical Society, for photos and newspaper clippings. Indiana Fire Association Members, Paul Botsford who lent his boots and trousers with the red suspenders, and for his explanation that a fireman positions them in a certain way so he can jump into his boots and pull up his trousers with one quick motion. The Fireman's coat, which was loaned by Barry Widdowson and the Fireman's Hat belonging to Don Myers' father who had been a Fire Chief.

Currently the original watercolor painting "Dad Was Ready When the Siren Blew" is hanging in the Indiana Room of the Jimmy Stewart Museum.