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Skokie (Niles Centre) FD history
The Niles-Herald Spectator recently published an interesting piece (just be mindful of the autoplay video with ads) about the restoration and return of the first fire engine ever purchased by the Skokie Fire Department. This particular vehicle holds a fascinating history that dates back to a time when Niles Centre, as it was known then, was just beginning to develop.
SKOKIE — When this iconic fire engine was first constructed, Abraham Lincoln was still alive. By the time it was last deployed to fight fires, the Chicago Cubs had already clinched a World Series victory. The name “Skokie†didn’t exist yet; instead, the area was called Niles Centre, something clearly reflected in the gold lettering spelling out the old town name on the small red fire engine.
The story of this fire engine and its journey through history is largely due to the efforts of Skokie Fire Lieutenant Ron Smith, whose deep passion for local heritage played a crucial role. About five years ago, Smith played a key part in bringing the Rumsey Pumper—the very first fire engine ever used by Niles Centre—back into the fold. At the time, Niles Centre relied on a volunteer firefighting crew, and this engine was instrumental in their operations.
The Rumsey Pumper saw significant action during the major fire of 1910, which devastated half of the business district west of Lincoln Avenue. This disaster highlighted the limitations of the pumper, prompting Niles Centre to seek assistance from neighboring towns. Eventually, the leadership realized they needed a more advanced firefighting solution. From 1881 to around 1912 or 1913, the pumper was actively used until Niles Centre acquired its first motorized fire truck in 1914. They sold the Rumsey Pumper to Mount Prospect for $60.
Mount Prospect utilized the pumper for several years before it appeared at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago, where it was showcased in an exhibit about the evolution of firefighting equipment. After the fair, the pumper was rediscovered and brought back to Mount Prospect. Although some light restoration work was done, the engine eventually fell into disrepair and wasn’t given much attention over the years.
The Rumsey Pumper was manufactured in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1865. Niles Centre acquired it in 1881 after realizing that their existing bucket brigades were inadequate for combating larger fires. Operating this engine required ten men—five on each side—to pump 60 gallons of water per minute at its peak efficiency. Weighing approximately 700 pounds, the pumper had two main methods of operation. First, it could be connected to a cistern, which most homes at the time had installed on their properties. Second, it could be filled with water and manually pumped using tubs inside the vehicle. A photograph displayed at the Skokie Heritage Museum captures the first volunteer fire department of Niles Centre standing proudly beside their trusty pumper.
This remarkable piece of history serves as a testament to how far firefighting technology has come and highlights the dedication of those who risked everything to protect their communities.