Skokie's fire history has taken a nostalgic turn as the Skokie Fire Department recently celebrated the return and restoration of its very first hand-pumper, a piece of local history that dates back to the 19th century. The Niles-Herald Spectator recently published an article on the subject, though readers should be aware that the video included in the piece starts automatically with ads.
The engine, known as the Rumsey Pumper, was originally purchased by what was then called Niles Centre — a small village that would later become Skokie. Back when the pumper was first used, Abraham Lincoln was still alive, and it wasn’t until the 1910 fire that the community realized they needed more advanced equipment. That fire destroyed half of the business district, prompting the need for better firefighting tools.
The story behind this historic engine is largely due to the efforts of Skokie Fire Lt. Ron Smith, a passionate advocate for preserving local history. Five years ago, he played a key role in bringing the Rumsey Pumper back to Skokie after it had been lost to time. The pumper, built in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1865, was first acquired by Niles Centre in 1881, replacing the less effective bucket brigade system.
At its peak, the engine required 10 men to operate — five on each side — pumping 60 gallons of water per minute. It weighed around 700 pounds and could be operated in two ways: either by connecting to a cistern, which most homes had at the time, or by filling the pumper from tubs inside. A photo at the Skokie Heritage Museum shows the original volunteer fire department standing beside the pumper, a powerful reminder of the past.
After serving for over 30 years, the Rumsey Pumper was sold to Mount Prospect in 1914 for $60. It was later displayed at the 1933 World’s Fair, where it was part of an exhibit on the evolution of firefighting technology. Though it was rediscovered and briefly restored, the pumper eventually fell into disrepair again.
Now, thanks to the dedication of individuals like Lt. Smith, the Rumsey Pumper is back in Skokie, preserved and ready to be showcased as a symbol of the town’s rich heritage. Its return marks not just a moment in fire history, but a celebration of community, memory, and the people who keep the past alive.
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