The No.3 extra size Amoskeag self-propeller known as "Jumbo" in parade on Main Street, north of Grove. The cost of Jumbo: $7000. On a fair road, Jumbo could reach 10 mph. Photo by Albert L. Butler.

This Gleason & Bailey aerial truck was put in service August 1899. The photo was taken on Pearl Street near Ford Street. Driver, Hugh E. Carey; Tillerman, Hosea A. Potter. Photo by William G. Dudley.

April 5, 1901 was declared Eaton Day, in honor of Fire Chief Henry J. Eaton. Crowds of people turned out for this huge event. Pictured here are Engine No. 8, Clapp & Jones, Driver Anthony F. Bolan, Engineer Willis P. Barker; hose wagon of Engine House No. 8, Driver Michael J. Cosgrove; following: fire alarm wagon, coal wagon.

Propeller No. 3, "Jumbo". At the tiller, James Magonigal; in rear, Engineer John McIntyre, Assistant Engineer Joseph W. McClellan. Photo by William G. Dudley, probably taken on South Main Street before Eaton Day Parade, April 5, 1901.

The new propeller, No. 4, extra size Amoskeag, known as the Pride of Hartford. It was the largest engine of its kind at the time. The photo was taken in front of the station at 60 Ann Street. At the throttle, Engineer John C. Moran; in rear, Assistant Engineer Charles F. Grundt; and at the wheel, Tillerman Warren A. Bingham. Photo by William G. Dudley, probably 1901.

This rickety old hose reel was from Engine Company No. 2. The photo was taken July 19, 1906, and shows its bad condition. The brake is useless, a spoke is missing, and others are in bad shape. (Probably a reel like this was used to fight the fire at the wooden toll bridge.) The driver is David F. McSweegan.

Hartford's first pumper, an American-LaFrance, type 15 triple, ordered for Engine House No.12, in front of Engine House of No. 3, Market Street. Capacity, 1400 gpm. ; weight, 13350 lbs. Louis E. Soderberg, No.12; Captain T.J. Leary, No. 3, LaFrance representative; John T. Fisher, No. 3; Joseph H. Burns, substitute; David J. LaPorte, No. 2; John P. McMahon, No. 3; Thomas F. Credon, No. 7; Joseph H. O'Donnell, No. 3; Philip E. Duffy, Squad A; Frank J. Madden, No. 1; Lieut. Thomas Lewis, No. 3; David DeMar, Fire Alarm Lineman, in the street. Photo by William G. Dudley, May 9, 1914.

Squad A, Pope-Hartford auto, and members of company at head of gangway from headquarters, No. 43 Pearl Street. At the wheel, Lieutenant Charles J. Kensel; on seat, Captain Herbert Bagshaw; in car, William. F. Lehmann, John Tonkinson, Philip E. Duffy, William F. Malloy, Joseph X. O'Connor. Photo by William G. Dudley. Photo taken in 1914 or 1915.

Equipment had to be tested regularly so there were no surprises for the fire fighters. Here is No. 3, Amoskeag, Reg. 664, in service as propeller "Jumbo" being tested in August 1889. The American & British tractor was attached in June 1923. It is at its capacity. Brouillard is at the pipe. Oct. 12, 1929. Note the Bulkeley Bridge in the background.

Engineer Joseph P. Connor driving, and Engineer Joseph F. Horan, are sitting on a LaFrance, Reg.1280, new in 1916 for Engine House No. 6. This was taken after a fall test on October 2, 1930. Note Hartford in the background. The Travelers Tower looks very lonely against the bare skyline.

The most modern pumper you could get as of December 21, 1933: a LaFrance pumper, Ref. No. 7501, rated 1,000 gpm, with 12 cylinder motor, in front of Engine House No. 3, Market street. On the seat: Burt C. Warner, Assistant Master Mechanic, and Herbert R. Newton, Engine House No. 3. Photo by William G. Dudley.

More progress in fire fighting equipment. A new LaFrance streamlined pumper, Reg. 8017, with 1250 gpm, and centrifugal pump. This was taken at the entrance to the machine shop on John Street, on the day of delivery. October 17, 1938. Courant Photo.