| 1906 American LaFrance Steamer |
On July 25th 1907 this steamer went into service protecting the City of Portland. It is
called a Steamer for the simple fact that it runs on steam. Similar to a steam driven
train from the early 1900's this apparatus has a boiler which produces steam to drive
the water pump. The Steam was drawn by 2 to 3 horses, and actually used fire to fight
fire. Someone was always having to stock the boiler with coal to keep the boiler
producing steam to power the pump.
On September 4th 1935, the steamer was purchased from the City of Portland for $150.
The Steamer was used mainly as a second out apparatus. The wooden wheels were
removed and replaced with metal wheels and was now drawn by a truck instead of
horses. The steamer stayed in service until the mid 40's when it was basically retired
from service. In 1975, a group of firefighters started to restore the steamer for use in
parades and various fire department functions. New wooden wheels were built, it was
repainted and the striping was hand painted to match the original art work which
covered the sides of the steamer.
In 2007, the wheel were rebuilt to withstand the weight of this steamer. The steamer
after making the century mark is still fully operational and in years past has made the
journey to the steam powered museum in Brooks.
If you would like to see a piece of firefighting history, swing by the fire station. It is on
display in the show room which is visible from in front of the station. You can also stop
in during normal business hours to see it up close.
called a Steamer for the simple fact that it runs on steam. Similar to a steam driven
train from the early 1900's this apparatus has a boiler which produces steam to drive
the water pump. The Steam was drawn by 2 to 3 horses, and actually used fire to fight
fire. Someone was always having to stock the boiler with coal to keep the boiler
producing steam to power the pump.
On September 4th 1935, the steamer was purchased from the City of Portland for $150.
The Steamer was used mainly as a second out apparatus. The wooden wheels were
removed and replaced with metal wheels and was now drawn by a truck instead of
horses. The steamer stayed in service until the mid 40's when it was basically retired
from service. In 1975, a group of firefighters started to restore the steamer for use in
parades and various fire department functions. New wooden wheels were built, it was
repainted and the striping was hand painted to match the original art work which
covered the sides of the steamer.
In 2007, the wheel were rebuilt to withstand the weight of this steamer. The steamer
after making the century mark is still fully operational and in years past has made the
journey to the steam powered museum in Brooks.
If you would like to see a piece of firefighting history, swing by the fire station. It is on
display in the show room which is visible from in front of the station. You can also stop
in during normal business hours to see it up close.
