An 1800s hand pumper originally purchased by the Kutztown Fire Department has returned home after a long absence due to the work of department members and historians.
The hand pumper, manufactured by Joel Bates, is one of 27 built between the 1820s and 1850s, Jeremy Bellois told WFMZ 69 News. “The Kutztown hand pumper is one of about 8 still known to exist and the only one in original condition.”
The hand pumper was purchased from Philadelphia and stored through the 1970s before it was moved to a farm museum where they lost track of it.
A group of department members and historians spent 15 years searching for the hand pumper. The group was able to locate it at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds in Maine where it was stored by a New Hampshire collector.
The hand pumper was purchased by the Kutztown Historical Society. Kutztown Fire & Rescue Chief Michael Russo told KFMZ 69 News that he's proud to have it back. "There's just something about bringing history back to where it started that just puts a spark in people," says Russo.
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