It was about this time that reliance on nearby wells or the Miami-Erie Canal as sources of water was abandoned. Cisterns were built at First and Main, Third and Main and Fifth and Main for use of the fire-fighters. The first successful fire hydrant had been developed about 1820, but was not adopted in Dayton until many years later. From a wooden plug inserted to stop up the opening in the early hydrants, the term fireplug originated.
Shown above is a famous New York hand pumper, the “Old Maid.” One of the most powerful and ornate engines of its day, this “musheen” even had a keg for spirituous liquors attached to the tongue. When their water supply was distant, firemen often pumped water from one engine to the next. Rival companies then tried to “wash” the engine ahead by overflowing its reservoir. A “washed” engine was said to be no longer a maiden. The “Old Maid” received its unusual name because for a long time no rival engine managed to “wash” it.
Called “Mankiller” because it was difficult to pump, this engine was one of the most powerful hand-operated machines ever built. It reportedly could throw a stream of water higher and farther than many steam fire engines built years later. This type of hand pumper was known as a “haywagon” because of its rack-like brakes.
In 1835 the Dayton City Council agreed to pay “fifty cents to each of the sextons of the several churches, as well as to the sheriff, for ringing their respective bells at each fire to give the alarm more generally to the citizens.” It was not until ten years later, in Boston, that the first telegraphic fire alarm was developed. The new system employed fire-alarm boxes, similar to those in use today, which sent the alarm to a central point, from which alarm bells were struck electrically, replacing the old church bell method.
Old-time volunteer firemen often wore flamboyant uniforms, although their habitual attire at fires was the clothing they happened to be wearing when the alarm sounded. The “vamps” bought their own uniforms and took great pride in the appearance of their companies at such public events as parades.
Between 1830 and 1850, hand pumpers were being improved in many ways. The old “tub” engines with water reservoirs which had to be filled with buckets eventually gave way to suction pumpers. These machines still employed a water reservoir but the tank was filled—provided a dependable water source was available—through a heavy hose which drew water into the engine. Unfortunately, a good water supply was not always close at hand. When the water supply was distant, the engines would be formed in line and water pumped from one engine to the reservoir of the next. At one New York fire, more than thirty engines were lined up for a mile and a half in order to produce a single small stream of water.
When operating in a line, the companies usually engaged in one of their most popular contests—that of trying to “wash” the engine ahead of them. An engine was said to be washed when its reservoir was filled to overflowing by the superior pumping power of the engine behind. To allow this to happen was considered a great disgrace. Handicapped by an inefficient engine, men in danger of being washed would often speed up their pumping to the rate of 120 strokes a minute, a pace that could be maintained for only a few minutes even by the most rugged. When thoroughly fatigued, a volunteer would drop off the pump handles and another man would rush in to take his place. During high operating speeds, this could be dangerous, with cuts, broken fingers and fractured arms resulting.