Waltham Engine #1 - Charles River Museum of Industry, Waltham, MA
Posted by: NorStar
N 42° 22.363 W 071° 14.054
19T E 316045 N 4693577
This fire apparatus was an early fire pump that was made by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company in Manchester, NH, and was used to fight the Great Boston Fire of 1872.
Waymark Code: WM5KB9
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 01/17/2009
Views: 9
This fire truck is part of the exhibits found in the Charles River Museum of Industry, which is within the old power house building of the old Boston Manufacturing Company factory complex. It sits in the main room with other objects that used steam as power, such as miniature locomotives and boats.
There is a paper sign by the engine. This apparatus, a pumper, was manufactured by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company in 1871. It was the first powered fire fighting equipment that the city of Waltham had, and it was in service from 1871 to the 1930s. It was transported by rail car to Boston to help in the Great Fire of 1872. The object is in good condition for its age.
The truck was part of the W.H. Nichols Collection before it was given to the Charles River Museum of Industry.
The Charles River Museum of Industry is a modest museum that tells the story of manufacturing in the Waltham area. The admission is inexpensive, and is open Thursday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. Their web site is: (
visit link) .