Mystic in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Block Island Fire Engine #1

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 16, 2024

1. Block Island Fire Engine #1 Marker

Inscription.
The fire department of Block Island, Rhode Island, used this Gleason & Bailey hand-pumped fire engine during the mid-nineteenth century. Manufactured in the 1850s, this is a typical "crane neck, piano body fire engine."

When an alarm sounded, at least four men would pull the engine, while other volunteers would pull the separate hose reels. The engine was pumped by pushing up and down on the long wooden handles called "brakes." Sufficient pressure could be built up inside the dome to force water through two 500-foot hoses and throw an effective stream over 100 feet.

In coastal towns, shipbuilders often used these fire engines to pump water into the hulls of vessels awaiting launch. The water would swell the planking and tighten the seams, indicating any major leaks. In fact, local fire records show that shipbuilders were among the most active supporters of Mystic's first fire company.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 41° 21.702′ N, 71° 57.927′ W. Marker is in Stonington in Southeastern Region, Connecticut. It is

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in Mystic. It can be reached from the intersection of Greenmanville Avenue and Bruggeman Place, on the right when traveling south. Located at the firehouse in Mystic Seaport. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Greenmanville Avenue, Stonington CT 06378, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Connecticut Shoreline,

in Greater New London, in Mystic and the Eastern Shore,

and in the Thames River Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New London County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Water Tank from the Schooner Beulah (here, next to this marker); Hercules Model EK7 Kerosene Engine (a few steps from this marker); Lewis Temple, 1800 - 1954 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Leadership of Indigenous Women (within shouting distance of this marker);

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 16, 2024

2. Block Island Fire Engine #1 Marker

Waterways to Freedom - Maria Weems and Leah Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Sardine Carrier Regina M (within shouting distance of this marker); Whaleboat (within shouting distance of this marker); Master Shipbuilders (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stonington.

Also see . . .
1. Mystic Seaport. (Submitted on December 19, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Mystic Seaport (Wikipedia). (Submitted on December 19, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Mystic Seaport Firehouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Herrick, September 16, 2024

3. Mystic Seaport Firehouse

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 197 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 19, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.