The first fire engines in the U.S., called hand pumpers, were shipped to New York from England in the 1700s. Water was pumped from the tub by volunteers working long, parallel handles on the truck. American manufacturers produced similar hand pumpers until the early 1800s, when the steam pumper was developed, which supplied a continuous stream of water more effectively.
The earliest fire trucks were hand pulled to the scene, but by the mid-1800s, horses were used to draw the steam pumpers and running boards, and back steps were added to the vehicle. In 1906, the Radnor Fire Company in Wayne, PA began offering a pumper with two gasoline motors, bringing fire trucks into the modern age.
If you're interested in collecting vintage fire trucks or apparatus, some of the manufacturer names you'll want to explore include Waterous, Ahrens-Fox, Dedrick, Mack Trucks, Peter Pirsch and Sons, American LaFrance, New Stutz Fire Engine Company, Seagrave, Sutphen, Babcock, Snorkel, Spartan Chassis, Inc. and Emergency One. You may also want to consider starting with vintage model fire trucks, which take up considerably less space!
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Source: Google News
Fire Truck Needs Buyer
BlackburnNews.com, May 19thA Wallaceburg family is trying to find a home for their late grandfather's prized antique fire truck. Glen Smeltzer was a volunteer firefighter in St. Clair Township for more than 30-years, so when he had a chance to purchase a 1928 American LaFrance...Read more
Parade of history planned for Corvallis firefighter gathering - The Billings ...
Billings Gazette, May 18thThe Corvallis Rural Fire District is seeking other antique and classic fire and emergency medical service apparatus and equipment for the parade from private individuals, firefighting and emergency medical providers, classic car clubs and more. The two...Read more
Building a Spirit of Place is a call to the Keene community
The Keene Sentinel, May 18thDubbed the “city wish list,” 2012 projects included refurbishing the city's war memorial, an antique fire truck and the amphitheater at Robin Hood Park. This year's program goes bigger. It still includes some of last year's projects, but introduces...Read more
Muncie fire union unveiling new museum, hall
Muncie Star Press, May 18thMemorabilia from past local fire departments is displayed in the firefighting museum at 418 E. Main Street Thursday. The museum is set to open Saturday. / Jordan Kartholl/ The Star Press. Written by. Andrew Walker. Filed Under. News · Local News...Read more
Bedington VFD celebrates 50 years
Martinsburg Journal, May 17thStanding in front of Bedington's first fire truck are orginal members, from left, Paul Mummert, Bob Gregory, Howard Lefevre, Raymond Lefevre, Curtiss Lefevre, Meadie Gochenour and Charles Marting. Volunteers hang a sign on the side of a barn in...Read more
Cardiff returns 1925 fire truck bell to original owners
Shore News Today, May 17thIn 1925, Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company out of Island Heights, N.J. purchased a REO Fire Truck from the U.S. Fire Apparatus of Wilmington, Del. It was delivered to Island Heights on Jan. 8, 1926. The truck was equipped with ladders, hose and...Read more
Great barbeque, fun activities, and funding to help local students
UpNorthLive.com, May 17thThroughout the day there are multiple free activities - including a cake walk, hair painting, obstacle courses, a climbing wall, and rides on an antique fire truck. There's also a raffle, student pottery sale, classroom and program displays, free...Read more
Antique Fire Truck Comes Home
wnep.com, April 26thTAMAQUA — A fire truck that dates back to the 1920s is back home in Schuylkill County. The truck journeyed to other parts of the country and has now returned to Tamaqua. The last time the truck was in Tamaqua was more than 50 years ago. Now it's back...Read more
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