
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE MUSEUM COLLECTION
1860s Button Hand Pumper
An example of fire apparatus that was used prior to the advent of horse-drawn steamers, our beautifully restored 1860s hand-drawn pumper required several powerful men to pull it to the scene of the fire, and then needed 24 or more people to operate the seesaw-type pump levers. The continuous pump action is strenuous and a long-term operation would require relays of people to provide relief and keep the water streams steady. At this time, we don’t know the history of this beautiful piece in our collection.
One photo was taken on New Year’s Eve 2000, as she was dressed up for the 2001 Rose Parade, The Tournament of Roses.
1800s
1900s
1910s
1920s
1950s
1960s
1980s