Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
1878 "Elisha Hyatt" steam engine pumper in Washington (ca. 1956) |
Object Name |
Photograph |
Catalog Number |
2019.0134.0077 |
People |
Gilliatt, LeRoy Humbarger, Melissa J. |
Description |
Undated photograph (ca. 1956) of the 1878 horse drawn steam engine pumper taken outside the Washington City Hall on Van Trees Street in Washington, Indiana. LeRoy Gilliatt (1889-1969) is standing on the back of the fire engine. The other people in the photo are not identified. This photo was part of a large collection donated to the Daviess County Museum in 2019 by Melissa Humbarger, the great, great granddaughter of Mr. Gilliatt. The 1878 steam engine pumper was purchased by the City of Washington from Ahrens Engines in Cincinnati, Ohio for $5,000. To put out a fire, the steam engine pumped water from cisterns strategically located in the city. It was last used to fight a fire in 1913. The steam pumper was known as "Elisha Hyatt," in honor of Elisha Hyatt (1809-1885), a prominent Washington businessman and banker who was one of the principal donors for its purchase. It was refurbished in 1980 by Washington firemen in their off-duty hours. The historic steam engine pumper is stored at Fire Station # 2 in Washington. See 2025.FIC.0027 for a 2025 photo of the steam pumper. |
Date |
1956 |
Collection |
Melissa Humbarger Collection |
Caption |
1878 "Elisha Hyatt" steam engine pumper in Washington (ca. 1956) |
Search Terms |
Elisha Hyatt steam engine pumper Gilliatt Family Humbarger Family Washington Fire Department |