North Carolina Steam Fire Engines Database - Sources

Last updated May 1, 2022

Charlotte

News articles:

• Western Democrat - Jan 29, 1867 - Local Items - New steam fire engine has arrived.
• Western Democrat - May 18, 1969 - [ add more ]
• Charlotte Observer - Oct. 22, 1873 - The New Fire Engine - The engine has "just been received."
• Charlotte Observer - Dec 19, 1873 - City Board actions - Part payment due to "Harrel & Howel" for new steam fire engine.
• Charlotte Observer - Feb. 19, 1874 - City Board actions - Payment(s) due for new steam engine. Could be settled by sale of the former [steam? hand?] engine, which is in "good condition and perfectly serviceable."
• Charlotte Observer - Dec 24, 1874 - City Board actions - Payments due for new steam fire engine.
• Charlotte Observer - Sep 22, 1875 - Shipment of the "Crazy Hannah" - Hand engine shipped to "Richard Harrel, Patterson, N.J.", in apparent exchange for reduction of price for new Neptune [hand?] engine.
• Charlotte Observer - May 31, 1882 - Charlotte Firemen [retrospective] - Hornet fire company was organized in 1866, and they asked the mayor for an engine, and a purchase was made from Clapp 7 Jones. The engine was delivered in December 1866.
• Charlotte Observer - May 31, 1882 - Pioneer fire company organized in 1874, and took the "old engine which had been condemned by the Hornet company." It was "completely overhauled and made good as new by Mr. Hand, the engineer of the new company."
• Charlotte Observer - Oct 17, 1901 - Contract closed for new Metropolitan steamer built by American Fire Engine Company. Price $4,500.

Durham

News:

• Morning Herald - Sep 16, 1902 - Will Purchase a Steamer - Steam fire engine to be purchased "at once."
• Morning Herald - Oct 7, 1902 - A Fire Steamer Ordered - Purchase approved last night, from LaFrance Fire Engine Company.
• Morning Herald - Feb 12, 1903 - Fire Steamer Shipped - Expected latter part of this week or next. To be housed at Station 2, when completed.
• Morning Herald - Feb 20, 1903 - Test Made Yesterday - Steamer acceptance test conducted.
• Charlotte Observer - Feb 20, 1903 - News from Durham - Steamer model is "Larrance" [LaFrance] make.
• Morning Herald - Feb 21, 1903 - Fire Steamer Accepted - City officials accepted yesterday.
• Morning Herald - Jun 27, 1912 - Fire Station About Ready -  Third station will house an auto truck and a horse-drawn engine.
• Morning Herald - Jul 9, 1912 - More Firemen Appointed - New [steam] engine arrived yesterday. It is a second-class steamer, and larger than the older third-class. The new steamer has a 750 GPM capacity, the old steamer had a 600 GPM capacity. 
• Morning Herald - Feb, 1912 - Fire Report for 1919 Made Public - Lists all apparatus, including a second-size Metropolitan steamer at Station 1, and a third-size American LaFrance steamer at Station 2.

Elizabeth City 

News

• The Falcon - Apr 13, 1888 - News briefs - Town board agreed to purchase Silby No. 3 engine, plus hose and two reels. Company warrants engine for tne years. To be named Inez, for oldest daughter of Mr. G. Scott Bell.
• Morning Post (Raleigh) - Jun 10, 1902 - City Authorities Decide to Buy a New Fire Engine - Committee of one appointed last night to purchase a second fire engine for the city. The need has been "long apparent" and the last "two fires" have "aroused" city officials to act.
• Weekly Economist - Jul 11, 1902 - News briefs - "Newly rebuilt" steam engine arrived Tuesday morning. Will be taken to Raleigh this month, for the firemen's tournament.
• Weekly Economist - Jul 25, 1902 - News briefs - New steamer has been purchased, cost $5000, will arrive about October 1, will be named "Betsey" [Betsy] in honor of woman who donated land that the town was chartred on. The new engine is intended a "relief engine."
• Tar Heel - Jun 27, 1902 - News briefs - The "Old Silsby" engine will be shipped to the city on the 28th of the month. The [hand?] engine "now in use" will continue its service until the new [steam] engine is delivered. The new [steam] engine "is of the latest design and weighs 7000 pounds."
• The North Carolinian - Oct 30, 1902 - [ Add more ]
• Weekly Economist - Nov 7, 1902 - [ Story of a parade ] - The city's new fire engine, Betsy, participated.

Fayetteville

News

• Weekly Observer - Nov 26, 1885 - City government updates - Report on fire department activities. No. 5 Silsby steamer with 1,000 feet of hose has been "contracted for" and will arrive within thirty days. Fire company also being organized. Engine to be named "James D. McNeill."
• Weekly Observer - Dec 17, 1885 - The Steam Fire Engine - The steamer arrived "last Monday afternoon." The "agent" to instruct and test the engine will arrive in a few days.
• Weekly Observer - Jan 7, 1886 - The Official Test of the Steam Fire Engine - The steamer is tested on Christmas Day, and was accepted.
• Weekly Observer - Feb 11, 1886 - [ Add more ]

Goldsboro

News

• Messenger - May 8, 1882 - News briefs - Silsby steamer has been purchased by Board of Alderman last week, with 1,000 feet of hose. Will be delivered in four or five weeks. New fire company to be organized.
• Messenger - May 25, 1882 - News briefs - Steamer will arrive in the course of "some four weeks."
• Messenger - Jun 8, 1882 - News briefs - New steamer will be named Mary Alice, after "little daughter" now dead of Fire Chief Charles Dewey. Fire company has been organized, named Eclipse Steam Fire Engine Company.
• Star - Jul 22, 1882 - News briefs - The new steamer can empty one of the "street weels" in about five minutes.
• Messenger - Jul 27, 1882 - The New Silsby Engine - New steamer was tested and accepted. Named Mary Alice, operated by Eclipse Fire Company. It is a Silsby Rotary No. 5, with 600 GPM capacity. 

Greensboro

News:

• Patriot - Sep 7, 1904 - News briefs - New LaFrance steamer tested at city hall on Monday night. Old engine to be sent to the factory soon, and thoroughly overhauled. Will be kept at reserve at the "steamer headquarters."

Greenville

News:

• Eastern Reflector - Jul 21, 1897 - Contract Signed - Town Board held special meeting on Thursday, to consider proposal from LaFrance company, to furnish a steamer. Contract was signed, steamer to be delivered by September 15,
• King's Weekly - Jul 23, 1897 - Contract has been made with LaFrance Fire Engine company for $1,900 steamer to be delivered in less than 60 days. The citizens of the town will pay $500 cash on delivery, raised through subscription. Also, several "tanks or cisterns" will be installed "at once" in town.
• King's Weekly - Oct 8, 1897 - Fire - Story of a barn fire and how the "steam fire engine proved an elephant on hand." Also references a team [of people] "looked up" to pull it.
• Eastern Reflector - Mar 7, 1899 - Gone up in Smoke - Story of a factory fire, and the delay in the steamer arriving due to being pulled by hand.

Kinston

News:

• New Berne Daily Journal - Mar 7, 1895 - Kinston Purchases a Silsby - Town has bought a third-size Silsby steamer that has "been rebuilt" and "warranted for ten years, the same as a new one." Also purchased 2,000 feet of hose. The Mayor of New Berne, representing the American Fire Engine Company, "effected the sale."
• Free Press - Jul 29, 1922 - Old Steamer Sold - Town has sold the steamer for $500, which could pump about 500 GPM, and used the Neuse River as its "plug." It was placed in retirement when the town "acquired waterworks and a direct pressure was as good as that of the engine." Two engine manufacturers, "intent on selling the city a new pumper," bid on the "old machine." The high bidder was the company that recently sold a 1922 model truck to the town.

Monroe

New Bern

Books:

• History of Firefighting in New Bern, North Carolina – Colonial Days to the 21st Century by Daniel Bartholf, self-published, 2019.

News:

• New Bernian - Apr 12, 1879 - The Special Municipal Election - Town board has ordered a special election to be held on April 17, to determine if city shall purchase additional steam engine.
• Times - Apr 28, 1865 - New Berne, 1 - New steamer arrived on "Tuesday last," built by Amoskeag, to be operated by the Palmer Company No. 1.

Raleigh

• Daily Standard - Apr 8, 1870.
• News & Observer - Apr 11, 1905
• News & Observer - Jul 12, 1905
• Morning Post - Jul 11, 1905.

Reidsville

Rocky Mount

Salem

News:

• Western Sentinel - June 24, 1886 - News briefs - The Salem Fire Company has ordered their new fire engine.
• Progressive Farmer - Oct 27, 1886 - New briefs - New steamer tested Saturday with "satisfactory results." The engine weighs 3,000 pounds. 
• Union Republican - Oct 28, 1886 - Salem's New Steamer - Long story about the testing of the new engine.
• People's Press - Oct 28, 1886 - The New Fire Steamer - New Button No. 5, piston-type, arrived last week.

Salisbury

News:

• Charlotte Observer - Feb 4, 1909 - News briefs - New steamer arrived today [Feb. 3]. It is the "latest and most up-to-date pattern", built by American LaFrance. 

Statesville

News:

• Record and Landmark - Aug 12, 1881 - News briefs - Town authorities have decided to return the LaFrance fire engine "for which they have for some time past been negotating." It is too large and expensive for "a town of this size."
• Record and Landmark - Dec 23, 1881 - News briefs - Steamer will be shipped Thursday of this week.
• Record and Landmark - Jan 20, 1882 - Steamer arrived yesterday, pulled from depot by four horses. The LaFrance steamer weighs 4,000 pounds and was tested this morning.
• Daily Review - Jan 23, 1882 - News briefs - LaFrance steamer arrived yesterday, cost $3,800.
• Record and Landmark - Jan 27, 1882 - Our New Fire Engine - New steamer arrived Thursday of last week. Was tested on Friday. Fourth-size rotary steamer from LaFrance. Weighs about 4,000 pounds.
• Record and Landmark - Apr 8, 1874 - Retrospective - Factory fire in 1881 was impetius for better fire equipment. Horse-drawn LaFrance steamer bought in 1882 for $3,800. The installation of an 1899 waterworks "replaced the need for the steam pump" and it was "stored" until 1903, when sold to the "Biltmore Fire Company."

Washington

News:

• Progress - Sep 27, 1887 - News briefs  - The "order has been given" for a Silsby steamer.
• Progress - Oct 25, 1887 - News briefs - "The steam fire engine is expected to arrive to-day."
• Progress - Nov 1, 1887 - News briefs - "The fire steamer came to hand on Saturday morning."
• Progress - Nov 8, 1887 - News briefs - New Silsby steamer was tested "Thursday last."

Wilmington

• Weekly Standard, Feb 24, 1869 - News briefs - New steam engine has been named John T. Rankin, in honor of gentleman who "recently came near losing his life at a fire".
• Daily Journal, Mar 23, 1869 - Reception of the Steam Fire Engine - City's first steam engine, John T. Rankin, received yesterday. Capacity 100 GPM.
• Daily Journal, Aug 3, 1870 - New steamer expected to arrive next week for Howard fire company.
• Daily Journal, Aug 7, 1870 - A. Adrian - Name given to the new steam fire engine. Mr. Adrian was the one-time foreman of the company, and now an active member.
• Daily Journal, Aug 25, 1870 - News breifs - Some 1,000 feet of leather hose has arrived, in advance of the new steamer A. Adrian. 
• Daily Journal, Sep 8, 1870 - News briefs - Steamship arrived with new steamer A. Adrian. It will be taken out of the vessel today.
• Daily Journal, Sep 14, 1870 - The New Fire Steamer - Trial of new steamer conducted yesterday.
• Morning Star, Sep 15, 1870 - The A. Adrian - Reception ceremonies yesterday for new steam engine.
• Daily Journal, Sep 23, 1870 - The New Steamer - Howard Relief Fire Engine Company yesterday paraded their new steamer the A. Adrian, and performed a series of trials.
• Daily Journal, Oct 19, 1870 - News brief - Horses for the A. Adrian were delivered to the company yesterday.
• ibid - Mention mane of other fire company with steamer, "W. S. F. Engine Co. No. 1" with "engine and reel."
• Morning Star, Aug 3, 1871 - Arrival of the New Engine - New steamer for the "colored firemen" arrived yesterday.
• Morning Star, Aug 5, 1871 - The New Ehgine - Final test conducted yesterday of new engine for Cape Fear fire company.
• New Berne Times, Aug 5, 1871 - News briefs - Wilmington has received its new steam engine, to be used by "a colored company."
• Morning Star, Nov 7, 1871 - Firemen's Reception - Formal reception yesterday for new steamer for Cape Fear Steam Fire Engine Company No. 3. 
• Morning Star, Oct 9, 1872 - The Steamer John T. Rankin - The steamer has been overhauled by "Messrs. Hart & Bailey", with new tubes for the boiler, and was demonstrated yesterday.
• Morning Star, Dec. 27, 1872 - Badly Managed - Account of problems with the steamers at a fire. The Rankin had no horses. The Adrian was redirected to pump to a cistern, for the Cape Fear, whose engine was "working badly."
• Daily Journal, Apr 3, 1874
• Daily Journal, Dec 8, 1874 - The Little Giant- The new steamer of the Wilmington Steam Fire Engine Company No. 1 will be named as the Little Giant.
• Morning Star, Feb 23, 1875 - Reception of the New Steamer - Named the Little Giant, for use by Wilmington Steam Fire Engine Company.
• Morning Star, Feb 25, 1875 - Reception of the New Steamer - Event was postponed from earlier date, due to weather. 
• Morning Star, Feb 26, 1875 - Reception of the New Steamer - Recap of event from yesterday.
• Morning Star, Feb 13, 1885 - New Steam Fire Engine - New steamer arrived yesterday for Howard Relief fire company from Button Fire Engine Company.
• Morning Star, Feb 16, 1885 - All Right - Test of new steamer, built by Button Fire Engine Manufacturing Company, named A. Adrian, for Howard Relief fire company.
• Morning Star, Feb 17, 1885 - The Trial To-Day - Final test for A. Adrian, new steamer for Howard Relief fire company.
• Morning Star, Feb 23, 1885 - Test Trial - Another test of the new steamer A. Adrian. 
• Morning Star, Apr 29, 1886 - The "Little Giant" Fire Engine - Company wants to replace their fifth-size Silsby, which is 11 years old, and "is worn out."
• Daily Review, Aug 2, 1886 - The "Atlantic" - Trial of new Silsby No. 3. steamer, built by company in Seneca Falls, NY.
• ibid - Mention that the "Little Giant' steamer, 11 years old, is to be retired.
• Morning Star, Aug 3, 1886 - The New Fire Engine "Atlantic" - Trial of new steam engine.
• Daily Review, Apr 19, 1887 - A New Engine - Purchase completed yesterday by town of new Silsby steamer for Cape Fear fire company. Will be No. 4 size, rotary, cost $4,440 minus $500 allowance for "the old engine."
• Morning Star, Jun 8, 1887 - New Fire Engine - New No. 4 Silsby engine for Cape Fear fire company arrived yesterday. Same make and style of the Atlantic, only one size smaller.
• Morning Star, Jun 16, 1887 - Test of the New Silsby Steam Fire Engine... - Proposals received and purchase approved on April 18, 1887, for fourth Silsby for Wilmington FD.
• ibid - City purchased the Atlantic for Wilmington SFE Co. 1 in July 1886.
• ibid - New steamer tested and approved yesterday. For Cape Fear fire company. Two new "hose carts" purchased from the same firm will arrive in a few days.
• Messenger, Feb 12, 1891 - The Steamer Adrian Good as New - The Howard Relief fire company steamer has been "laid up a few months for repairs," with boiler and machinery rebuilt by "Messrs. Burr & Bailey." Tested Tuesday evening. Previously, steam engines had to either be shipped north, or had workmen brought "from the North", to have them repaired or overhauled.
• Morning Star, Aug 25, 1905 - Harbor Fire Boat - City officials have appropriated money to build a fire boat, with the deck specially constructed to carry the Atlantic steamer, formerly used by "the old Wilmington Steam Fire Engine Company." The steamer would be permanently mounted.
• Morning Star, Feb 21, 1906 - Its Semi-Centennial - Retrospective of Howard Relief fire company. Notes first steamer was bought February 1871 "by subscription" by company members and citizens. Second steamer was bought in February 1885, for $4,000, by company members. Both were named "A. Adrian."
• Wilmington Dispatch, Oct 23, 1908 - The Fire Engines - The new steamer and a rebuilt steamer have arrived in Richmond, and should reach the city tonight. They were shipped about three weeks ago from the Nott Fire Engine Company in Minneapolis. The new engine cost $5,000. The rebuilt engine has a new boiler.
• Wilmington Dispatch, Oct 27, 1908 - Tests Made Today - New steamers tested.
• Morning Star, Oct 28, 1908 - Formally Received - New steamers formally received last night.
• Morning Star, Feb 3, 1909 - Year's Fire Record - Includes report on apparatus, which includes in reserve one Nott steamer, capacity over 1000 GPM, and one Button steamer, capacity 600 GPM.
• Morning Star, Jul 24, 1909 - To Rebuild Cape Fear Engine - City officials discuss rebuilding the Cape Fear steamer, with two bids received, the lowest by Nott Steam Fire Engine Co. for $1750. They want more information, and notably why rebuilding is better than buying a new engine.
• Morning Star, Feb 1, 1910 - City's Fine Fire Record - Includes report on apparatus, in reserve are one first-class Nott steamer, one fourth-size Silsby which has "just been overhauled and equipped with a new boiler."

Wilson

News:

• Mirror, Jun 13, 1888 - The Fire Engine - Steamer arrived on Monday. Will be supplied by cisterns around town. A temporary fire company has been organized.
• Daily Times, Nov 12, 1911 - Fire Engine Should Be Cared For - Editorial stating that the steamer should be "placed in proper condition" and "held in reserve" for fires. Also should be housed indoors.

Winston

News:

• Leader, May 23, 1882 - Winston Fire Deaprtment - New steamer tested for first time "Tuesday evening last." Purchased from LaFrance Company.
• News & Observer, May 24, 1882 - Winston - New steamer tested for first time on Tuesday.
• Charlotte Observer, May 12, 1882