Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1893-02-16
THE SILsBY ENGINE.
The Repaired Engine Given q
Thorough Trial.

Thorough Trial.
The Silsby engine has always held
warm place In the hearts of Bridgeton
folks, and its performance yesterday
made it dearer still In the affection of
the people.
Years ago the engine was purchased
by the city, and every one.will remem-
Der the test given 1t. The steamer
was placed on the wharf where John
Ogden's handsome building now lie,
and pumped the water from the river,
and water was forced through a line
of hose and thrown over the steeple
OF the First Baptist Church.
Since that time the steamer has been
called upon to do great service, and
many thousands of dollars worth of
valuable property has been saved.
This service had weakened the boiler
to such an extent, that a year or more
since the La France engine was pur-
chased. Recently, Council wisely de-
termined to have the Silsby repaired.
and now 1t is returned as good as the
first day it was brought here, and in
the judgment of some, better.
The LaFrance manufacturers re-
paired the engine at a contract price
of $1,650. An entirely new LaFrance
boiler was substituted for the old, and
all cocks, valves, ETC., are new, even
to the gong under the drivers plat
form. New attachments have been
added which makes the engine mod
ern one.
Asa LaFrance, of the Company that
repaired the engine, came here Wednes-
day, and in the afternoon at half-past
three o'clock the steamer was given a
thorough test. Driver Neal proudly
mounted the seat of the handsomely
painted machine, and the engine was
drawn to the corner of Washington
and Laurel streets. Ohief Elwell re-
quested Water Superintendent Wood.
ruff and ]. Lewden Robson to assist
him in determining from the test,
whether or not the steamer was salts
factory.
Watches were held, and in less than
two minutes the steam gauge showed
that steam was being made. The az
row on the dial arose quickly, and in
six minutes and three quarters, there
was registered one hundred pounds of
steam. In seven minutes and half, a
big stream was being thrown through
an inch and a quarter nozzle. First
the stream was directed against the
wind, then with it, and most power.
full stream was the result. Then two
streams were thrown through inch
nozzles, and again the results were
more than pleasing,
All the hour the steam gauge was
being used the steam guage registered
uniform 1870 pounds, while the water
guage showed pressure of from one
hundred to one hundred and sixty-a
severe test.
Mr.. LaFrance, in speaking of the
engine, says he considers it more valu-
able to-day, than the first day it was
brought to this city. He says he never
sawsa boiler so burned out, as the old
one recently removed, and:that it has
been positively dangerous to use it
owing to its condition. Chief Elwell
says he is very much pleased with the
engine and feels that the department
is now In splendid shape for fire fight
ing.
The Chief says that he thinks the
Council should increase the appropria-
tion next year at least $4,000. He is of
the opinion that the time has come
when system of fire alarm must be
introduced, and most people will back
him up 10 the statement. The protec-
tion of the city against fire Is one of
the most important matters the
authorities look after.