Squirrel Tailed Pumper

The centerpiece of this exhibit is a handpumped fire engine popularly known as a “Squirrel-Tailed Pumper.” The name comes from the similarity between the hose and the way a squirrel curls its tail when standing upright. The pumper is a reminder of the many services that a growing city needed to provide for its residents. With many wood structures in the city, fire was a serious threat that could quickly become a major disaster. Although the village purchased equipment for volunteer fire companies and provided space in the 1869 Corporation Hall for these companies, it was not until 1877 that the first paid firemen were hired. Among this exhibit you will find leather water buckets, helmets, and a megaphone used to direct firefighters. 

To read more visit: 

https://kalamazoomuseum.org/images/museon/2011-Muse_Fall2011-csi.pdf