The Niles-Herald Spectator recently published an interesting piece (just be mindful of the autoplay video with ads) regarding the restoration and triumphant return of the very first hand-pumped fire engine ever acquired by the Skokie Fire Department. This historical artifact holds immense significance, as it harks back to a time when Niles Centre—now known as Skokie—was just beginning its journey as a thriving community.
In the article, SKOKIE—when this particular fire engine was first constructed, Abraham Lincoln was still alive. By the time it last saw action during a blaze, the Chicago Cubs had recently celebrated a World Series victory. The name "Niles Centre" is clearly visible on the pumper in gold lettering, underscoring the historical context of the piece.
The fascinating tale of this pumper and its meticulous restoration can be credited to Skokie Fire Lieutenant Ron Smith, whose deep passion for local history played a pivotal role in bringing this piece of history back to life. About five years ago, Smith spearheaded efforts to reclaim the very first fire engine ever used by Niles Centre—a Rumsey Pumper. At the time, Niles Centre relied on a volunteer fire crew to battle fires.
This engine played a crucial role in combating the massive fire of 1910, which devastated half of the business district west of Lincoln Avenue. The incident highlighted the limitations of the pumper, prompting Niles Centre's leadership to recognize the need for modernization. As a result, the town replaced the Rumsey Pumper with its first motorized pump in 1914, selling the older model to Mount Prospect for $60.
Mount Prospect utilized the pumper for several years before it found its way to the 1933 World’s Fair, where it was showcased in an exhibit dedicated to the evolution of firefighting equipment. Although rediscovered and briefly restored by Mount Prospect, the pumper eventually fell into disrepair.
The Rumsey Pumper, originally crafted in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1865, was initially purchased by Niles Centre in 1881 after a bucket brigade proved insufficient for larger fires. Operating this engine required ten men—five on each side—to generate up to 60 gallons of water per minute at its peak capacity. Weighing approximately 700 pounds, the pumper could be powered in two ways: either by connecting it to a cistern, which most homes had at the time, or by manually filling it with water from nearby tubs. A photograph at the Skokie Heritage Museum captures the first volunteer fire department of Niles Centre standing proudly beside the original pumper.
Reflecting on these events, it’s clear how deeply rooted this artifact is in Skokie’s history. Its restoration serves as a testament to the dedication of individuals like Lieutenant Smith, who ensure that the past remains vividly alive for future generations.
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