On September 28, 2022, many travelers heading south on Interstate 95 in Maine got a glimpse into Cianbro’s past, as a truck carried a near-pristine 1934 Ford dump truck down the highway. The dump truck, with the classic Cianchette Bros. Inc. displayed on both doors, turned a lot of heads that day, but none more important than that of Cianbro co-founder Kenneth Cianchette, who was celebrating his 98th birthday.

The dump truck, the 100th piece of equipment owned by Cianbro, was purchased by the company around 1950. Initially bought for the Loring Air Force Base project in Limestone, Maine, the truck had been in storage in Newport, Maine, for several years. While the body held up well over that time, the engine was inoperable. Howard Lynds, Rental Manager for Cianbro Equipment, took the initiative and identified the correct individuals to repower the truck so the historic dump truck would run again.

The project is part of a bigger initiative to restore multiple pieces of equipment from Cianbro’s early days. In addition to the dump truck, the team has supported the restoration of a 1940s cement mixer and a 1946 Jeep CJ2A. The team has also completed some engine and paint work on the Kenneth C., a newer-model push boat named in honor of Ken Cianchette, before it returned to the water at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

“This work goes beyond restoring equipment,” says Doug LaCroix, Cianbro Equipment Manager. “Sure, we all enjoy seeing these historical pieces back in action, but what’s most important is that it’s connecting new team members with our beginnings as a company. Team members can see the equipment that the brothers had purchased and  utilized, which gives them a better appreciation of how equipment and vehicles have evolved over time. The Cianchette brothers’ vision and can-do attitude from 1949 will continue to inspire all of us for many years to come.”

While the dump truck was No. 100, the Jeep – the first Jeep model available for civilians to purchase – was No. 3. Carl Cianchette, one of the founding Cianchette brothers, bought it brand new, and it stayed in service with the company right up until the early 1980s.

“I remember riding in that Jeep when I was a kid,” recalls Charlie Cianchette, Vice President. “We towed trailers with it, threw hay on it, towed airplanes around. I’m happy to see it out of storage and on display.”

Another artifact from Cianbro’s history, a six-bag cement mixer, is now proudly on display outside of Cianbro’s Equipment office in Pittsfield, Maine. Though less is known about this piece of  Cianbro’s history, it serves as yet another reminder of the company’s humble beginnings.

“Stay tuned to see what may be restored next,” adds LaCroix. “We’ve seen a lot of equipment come through the company after more than 70 years in business. However, without a doubt, it will be something that has helped us get to where we are today.”

As Cianbro Chair Pete Vigue pulled up to surprise Ken on his birthday, dump truck in tow, Ken was elated to see a piece from his past. As Pete chatted with the team members present, he got an idea. It was time to give this dump truck its first test drive in a long time. He hopped into the driver’s seat, started it up, and took it for a couple of short laps.

“Not bad for nearly 90 years old," Pete said as he parked the dump truck.

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