From guest contributor Erik Smith, Salem, Massachusetts:

The Exeter “Eagle”

According to a story written by Barbara Rimkunas on the Essex Historical Society’s website, the Eagle was purchased by the town of Exeter, New Hampshire, in 1873 for $4,400. It is an Amoskeag Steamer, manufactured at the Manchester Locomotive Works in New Hampshire. It was capable of throwing 700 gallons per minute. Similar models were shipped to the fire departments of New York, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New Orleans.

The proud members of the Eagle Steamer Co. pose with their engine.
Image from the collection of the Exeter Historical Society

In 1890 the Eagle Steamer Company officially purchased its own team of horses, after 17 years of using them from a livery across the street. The fire horses were named Dick and Prince. When Dick, who was beloved by the town and known by the name Pet, died in 1900, his obituary was 39 words longer than that of the Fire Chief.

The Eagle was what was called a front line attack piece until 1928. It remained in service until the early 1940s. Some of the fires that the Exeter Fire Department credits it with fighting include the Exeter Manufacturing Company in 1887 and 1893, Phillips Exeter Academy in 1914, and the South Newmarket fire in 1894. The Eagle was refurbished in 1991 at a cost of $40,000. It is pumped annually for the public in Exeter at the Swasey Parkway on the second Sunday in June.

This Erik Smith video of the Eagle in action was taken at the Fireman’s Muster, Gorham, New Hampshire
September 8, 2007
click to play

Thanks to the websites of the Exeter Historical Society and the Exeter Fire Department.

Erik Smith is a writer and filmmaker from Salem, Massachusetts. He is also a member of the Okommakamesit Veteran Fireman’s Association in Marblehead. Erik is producing a documentary about handtub musters and is the writer and webmaster of www.salemhistoryonline.com.

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