Bob Knapke, along with his wife Emma, of Chilo, Ohio are active with the Family Motor Coach Association. Now as the National Director of the Tri State Travelers, Bob has recently secured the role of Wagonmaster for the Monaco International Pre Rally prior to the 1997 FMCA National Convention, July 9, 10 & 11 in Springfield, Ohio.
A Firefighter since 1957, Bob was assistant Fire Chief by 1974. He was selected to be the Chief of the Williamsburg Life Squad in 1980 and enjoyed that post for several years. His wife and all three sons have also served on the Fire Dept and Life Squad. One son is Assistant Fire Chief today. Now semi retired, Bob serves on the Arson Task Force and his years of experience prove valuable to the younger men on the team. In addition to being an avid Fire Historian and Apparatus Buff, Bob enjoys wood carving and has created a remarkable likeness of some horse drawn equipment. He points out that in the history of men fighting fires the introduction of the steam pumper was the most significant contribution. The breakthrough being it was the first mechanized manner of putting water on the fire. Prior to that time a combined effort was required of every available person to form a brigade. The Knapkes wanted a painting, an image of firefighting from an age gone by. An animated pair of percheron horses galloping at breakneck speed with the shiny, smoke belching boiler of the firemen’s steam pumper in tow will be perfect for the mural on the back of their new Monaco.
Bob and Emma have been camping since 1959. Beginning with tents, their rapidly growing family quickly also outgrew pop up campers. They bought their first motorhome in 1979. The first Monaco was purchased in 1990 and they are so pleased with the product they have had four Monaco’s since. The Executive has plenty of room for all their pets, the African Grey Parrot , the dog named "Scooby", and all of Emma’s collection of Teddy Bears. Bob likes the ease of driving, the good braking system, lots of storage space and the quality workmanship.
When it was time to create the airbrushed mural on the back of the motor home, the Knapkes called "Letterfly" who had created decorative monograms on their previous coach. They especially enjoy that the artist, also known as Dave Knoderer, will visit them at their home to create the high quality work of airbrushed art. The visit was coordinated with his annual trek from Florida to Michigan. When Dave arrived at the Knapkes home near Cincinnati, the first thing he did was look through the pile of books Bob had on the subject of Fire Apparatus. The pumper to be depicted was to be the 1899 Thompson Manning 800 GPM Steamer. With the appropriate reference photos, and the back of the coach thoroughly cleaned and scuffed, the layout for the painting began. Period head pieces and harness along with accurately depicted equine anatomy are familiar to the artist as his favorite subject is the horse. Interestingly enough, even though this painting of Firemen in action is the only one of its kind on any motor coach, the subject is not totally unfamiliar to the artist. A decade ago the artist worked with an antique fire engine restoration man who greatly appreciated his skills as a Gold Leaf gilder, pin striper, lettering and decoration man. It was this relationship from not so long ago that prepared the artist for this painting, possibly the best one of his career.
Now long leisurely trips take the Knapkes farther and farther away from home.
The pleasures of fellowship take priority over all else. You will be sure
to recognize this pair of kindhearted people by the image of the Firefighters
on the back of their coach. Be sure to say hello and enjoy, with them, a
masterpiece dedicated to the tradition of mankind protecting and redeeming
mankind.
