Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Government

Location

99 North Ave, Owego, NY 13827, USA

Lat/Long

42.105195, -76.263835

Grant Recipient

Owego Hose Teams, Inc.

The Steam Fire Engine began serving the Owego community in June of 1866 after being purchased by the village for $4,500. While in service, the engine was maintained by the Ahwaga Steam Company No. 6. Firefighters actively used the engine for fire suppression until it was retired in 1926 when the department began using motorized pumping equipment.

The steam fire engine marked a significant improvement in the ability to combat fires. Able to discharge 400 gallons of water per minute, the steam fire engine—particularly the model produced by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. that operated out of Manchester, New Hampshire—caught the attention of several leading figures in the Owego community. This included Ezra S. Buckbee, who wrote a letter to the Owego Times advocating for the purchase of such equipment. Following initial public support of the idea, two special elections, and the organization of the Ahwaga Steam Company No. 6, an order was placed for an engine. The order form requested a second class harp tank with an air chamber made of polished copper, along with wheels to be painted carmine red with gold strips.

After the second class harp tank, #182 engine arrived on June 10, 1866, demonstrations were held in front of the Ahwaga House. During these initial displays it was reported the engine, fitted with a hose measuring fifty feet in length and one and an eighth inch in diameter, projected a stream of water that traveled a distance of 257 feet. The engine remained used for fire suppression until 1926.

Since then, the engine has been preserved by various members of the community and celebrated in museums and parades alike. Restoration efforts for the Owego Steam Fire Engine remain ongoing as of 2021.