Hand-Pull Fire Engine

First Apparatus Owned by the Lionville Fire Company

The beginning of the Lionville Fire Company dates back to February 2, 1911.  On this day, several citizens of the community gathered at the General Store to discuss the long felt need for fire protection; these citizens formed the Lionville Fire Company. 

The first entry in the Treasurer’s book was on February 7, 1911.  Sherman Kirkpatrick and Charles C. Moore were instructed to solicit funds for the purchase of a hand-pulled fire pumper from a resident of Chester Springs.  The purchase price was soon collected and the hand-pull was bought.   It was originally stored in multiple locations throughout the community, mainly in Thomas  Ferry’s shop or at Harvey Moore’s farm.  In 1915, the hand-pull found a permanent location in a one-story frame building rented from C.H. Oberholser, the very first fire chief of Lionville.

This engine used a chemical firefighting system, utilizing soda water and acid bottles in a tank to create pressure to douse fires.

It is unknown when the hand pull fire pumper was formally retired, however it is still owned, housed, and preserved by the fire company to this day.

Back to Retired Apparatus