Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1890-07-11
LETTER FROM AN OLD FIREMEN.
Columbia's First Foreman sends some
Words Of Cheer to his Old Com
pany.

pany.
NEwBURGH, N. Y. June 90, 1890.
To the officers and members Of Columbia
Engine Co. No. I, of Olympia,
Washington:
The city of Charleston, Mass,
celebrating its 114th Anniversary of
the Battle of Bunker Hill, entrusted
to the Veteran Firemen's Association
the firemen's portion of the parade,
and offered liberal prizes for the best
playing of hand engines. The tourna-
ment feature of the celebration was
participated in by large number of
noted engines, mostly from the several
New England States, though New York,
New Jersey and Pennsylvania were
represented with engines of most of
the best makers. l was surprised at
not finding Button engine upon the
ground. They will doubtless be large
ly represented at the tournament
be be held at Watertown, N. ", in
August.
The end stroke engines OF Messrs.
Zimmerman & Co., and those also OF
Messrs. VIM. Jeffres & Co., seem to be
favorites with the active fire companies
of New England. The veteran associa-
tions nearly oil used the double-deck-
ers of varisus patents. have never
seen so many large and beautiful en-
gines together. 1t is said to have
been the finest tournament since the
Centennial year. Very carefully
watching the working of the several
engines and noting their respective
plays, thought that possibly the
members of my old company might be
interested in an account of the same.
CONDITIONS OF TIE PLAY.
The engines were required to play
from an enclosed platform which was
about forty feet square, and was ele-
waited about four feet above the point
at which pipe was held. Each en-
CINE was required to take suction
from tank underneath platform,
which was kept full to planking on
which the engine stood while work
ing, by automatic globe valve. Each
engine played through $50 feet of q
inch leading hose, which belonged to
the city, using such pipe and size oi
nozzle as company might deem best
suited to their engine. Distance on
level ground, measured by judges,
from end of pipe, to furthest drop Of
solid sUater, sprayed not counted.
Each engine to take suction and play,
without use of suction shut-Of gate,
during play. Fifteen minutes time
allowed each engine, in which to take
position and make play. Unlimited
number of uniformed men allowed on
brakes of each engine, during play.
NOTE BOOK MEMORANDA OF TRIAL.
VOLUNTEER" Veteran Fire Associa-
tien, of Brooklyn, N. Y, a fine double
decker, built by Messrs. Gould Bros,
Of Newark, N. j., with 10 inch cylin-
dcrs, 8 inch stroke. Engine handled
very clumsily. men much out Of drill.
Engine worked through two lengths
of suction, when one was amply long
enough to reach. As the water in the
tank was perfectly clear, should have
been worked without basket. Iestimate
that with these changes, a gain Of
from IL to Is feet might have been
made ON distance. One inch stream
thrown lao feet 4} inch.
Roxbury," Veteran Fire Associa-
ton, of Roxbury, Conn.,, o fine large
engine, built by Messrs. Zimmerman
& Co., of Boston, with 6 inch cylinder
by 16 inch stroke. Worked some
what irregularly, and pressure not
evenly sustained. At end of trial,
with fastest stroke, worked fast but
one half of minute. Too short a
time. This engine had men enough
to have sustained full pressure, two
minutes at least. One inch throw, 162
feet.
"Pawtucket"-This engine, familiar
ly termed the Haycart, from her high
decks and long folding brakes, was
built by Messrs. VIM. Jeffers & Co., with
9 inch pump by 10 inch stroke. This
was fine engine, and claims record
of one inch stream, 2O6 feet. Many
of her heaviest men who should
have been upon the ground were ON
her decks, overlooking her. causing
machine to "jump" very badly. Dist
ance thrown, 164 feet 81 inches, CIV
ing her second prize for Veteran en-
gines.
Torrent" of Peabody, Mass. This
was noted Zimmerman engine, with
6x16 inch cylinder, and had an envia-
BILE record in several previous tourna-
ments. With 168 uniformed men, she
played 1916 inch stream, 1853 feet y
inches.
The "Gaspee," of Providence, R. l.,
an succeedingly fine engine Of Jeffers
patent, with 10x12- inch pump. was
expected, not alone from previous ex-
cellent records, but as well from the
appearance of the engine and men, to
take first prize. This engine was un-
skillfully worked; her suction too long,
run to the bottom of tank; engine
"jumped" badly. The men came
down heavily upon her brakes from
the very start, Gan untidy engine prac'
tice.) They threw one inch stream
but 152 feet 7 inches, much to the sur.
prise OF her company and friends.
"Raw Beese," Of Lowell, Mass, a
LETTERS double decker, with 9x12 inch
pump, had good past record, but made
poor play of 154 ieet 6 inches. Tht
foreman of this engine, at critica'
time Of throw. counted lOudlv ths