I was so thrilled to read your article today regarding Pocomoke’s original steamer engine. I along with the other Fire Company historians have been struggling for years to determine the origins of our Clapp and Jones steamer which is still in our possession. As you probably are aware, the steamer was purchased in early 1889 when the Fire Company was formed after the disastrous 1888 fire. Due to Clapp and Jones being the top of the line in fire engines and most certainly fledgling Pocomoke City not being able to afford a new C & J engine, plus receiving the engine only a short time after deciding to purchase it, we always felt it was a used piece of equipment. But due to our fire house along with all records being destroyed in the fire of 1922, we could only speculate on its origin. And you solved that long unanswered question. Below is what I wrote for our history posted on our website regarding the purchase of the steamer. Based on your article, now we know the exact age of the steamer. Would you be able to email that article so I can share with the officers? I’m again thrilled that there’s an answer to the mystery. Thank you!
Jerry
(Additional info from Jerry)
The town received its state-of-the-art Clapp and Jones steamer in early 1889. Although purchase records are not conclusive, research indicates that the steamer was most likely an 1885 model purchased as a used piece of equipment. Its serial number, 464, has not been identified in any Clapp and Jones archives as to the year of manufacture. However, serial numbers 463 and 465 have both been identified as being manufactured in 1885. Clapp and Jones steamers were the gold standard of their day and were known to be the most expensive and highest-quality fire equipment available at the time. Either Pocomoke could not afford a new Clapp and Jones steamer, or didn’t want to wait for a new engine to be built. Instead, it appears that the town opted to purchase a readily available used piece of equipment. Firefighters or horses could pull the 4,000-pound steamer, but it is believed that horses owned by the town and used for street maintenance were doubled up to pull the steamer when the fire alarm sounded.
*February 1957
Salisbury Times
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