Horse Drawn Fire Engine Used by the West Newbury, Massachusetts Volunteer Engine Company No. 2, 1873

01

Artifact Overview

This engine was the pride of the West Newbury, Massachusetts, Volunteer Engine Company No. 2. It took many men to operate the 22.5 foot-long handles or "brakes" that powered the fire pump. The large suction hose that drew water from a nearby hydrant, pond, or stream was called a "squirrel tail" because of its shape.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Fire engine

Date Made

1873

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

30.1853.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Mahogany
Oak
Wood (Plant Material)
Brass (Alloy)

Dimensions

Length: 269.25 in
Width: 67.5 in
Height: 86 in
Wheelbase: 113.25 in

Inscriptions

brass plate front of box marked: MANUFACTURED BY / L. BUTTON & SON. / WATERFORD N.Y. / NO. 619.1873 inscribed on side panels: VOLUNTEER 2