20th Century Images: ; Steam Pumper 1882; by Richard Andre

Summary

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This photo of a Charleston Fire Department steam-powered pumper - taken circa 1882 - is believed to be the first picture ever taken of the men and equipment of the Capital City's fire department. The driver is Eugene "Bud" Callahan (1846-1923) and the little boy is his son Harley "Bus" Callahan (1880-1963) who grew up to be a captain in the Charleston Fire Department.

Although the horse-drawn apparatus seems primitive, the steam pumpers brought a new era to firefighting, enabling a heavy volume of water to be brought to bear. In order to respond rapidly, a small fire had to be maintained in the boiler 24 hours a day. Imagine staying up all night tending the boiler.

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20th Century Images: ; Steam Pumper 1882; by Richard Andre

Bells ringing,...

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