Middletown Tiller Association

08/16/2025

Stop on down and visit the Tiller today (Saturday) at the Middletown Elks Club.

44 Maynard Street, Middletown

3-9 pm

07/31/2025

It is with great sadness the Middletown Tiller Association announces the passing of Lieutenant Gene Olson. Gene was a retired Lieutenant in the Middletown Fire Department with 35 years of service. Gene was a member of the Tiller Association and was instrumental in getting the Tiller back to Middletown. You could always find Gene helping out getting the Tiller ready for parades or sharing stories to younger firefighters about the “old days”. Members showed their respect to Gene by taking the Tiller to his wake and funeral today. Rest easy Gene, you will be greatly missed.

06/10/2025

Many have asked how the fundraising efforts are going with the tiller. The association thought it would be a good idea to show the progress with a sign in the city. Special thanks to Dave Mylchreest for allowing the sign on his property. The sign is located at the intersection of South Main Street and Randolph Road.

The Tiller association is grateful to everyone who has donated so far. Anyone who is interested in donating can scan the QR code for the GoFundme page.

02/01/2025

Recently an alumnus from Wesleyan University reached out to the Tiller Association. Cliff Saxton Jr was a photography student in the 1960’s who captured some of the fires the Middletown Fire Department responded to. He told us he had some 8mm film that he digitized. The film had the 1931 American LaFrance Tiller in action at a structure fire on Main Street. There are two clips setting up in front of the building. You can see how the ladder was raised up, extended, and rotated all by hand. Thank you Cliff for sharing your videos!

02/01/2025

10/07/2024

Today the Tiller was among the many vehicles in attendance at the Middlesex County Historical Society’s antique car show. There was a great turnout with many people coming by and checking out the tiller. The tiller was awarded the Bernie Prue award.

Thanks to everyone that came by today!

06/18/2024

A special thanks to Owen and Dana Andrew for changing out the old tires to brand new tires on the tiller. The old tires were dry rotted and very old. It took a lot of work to get the old tires off the rims.

Also thank you to everyone that has donated money to the tiller so far. Each tire cost over $1300 each plus shipping. There is only one tire manufacturer in the USA that still makes the size needed.

We still welcome any donations to continue the restoration of the tiller

https://gofund.me/0bbce0a0

05/26/2024

Today, members got the tiller all ready for the Memorial Day Parade tomorrow. Parade starts at 10:30 am. Come down to Main Street and watch the parade!

04/26/2024

Reminder tomorrow (Saturday), Ace on South Main Street will be hosting a car wash to benefit the tiller. Hope to see you there!

04/17/2024

Ace of Middletown is sponsoring a car wash to benefit the Middletown Tiller Association on Saturday, April 27, from 10am to 2 pm. Stop down and get your car washed by members of the Tiller Association. Rain date will be Sunday, April 28. Address is 480 South Main Street, Middletown. Special thanks to Ace for hosting this event.

03/05/2024

Sharing a few old pictures of the tiller in action quite a few years ago.