New York Fire Department Returning 1903

F.D.N.Y. Returning
May 19, 1903. American Mutoscope & Biograph Co.

Two hook-and-ladders, two steam pumpers, and a rescue wagon return to the 'house'. Note the kids running along and hanging on the back of some of the vehicles. Teams of fire brigades heading out or returning from fires were a common subject of the early actualities. There's a good chance most 'runs' were arranged just for the cameras which were hardly "shoot from the hip" technology yet. It's also more than likely that in a real situation no kid would've messed with two tons of horse and steam fired apparatus racing down the street. Still, that they could do it at all is amazing. Dangerous? Sure. Stories to tell? You bet!

"In 1901, New York City was only three years old. Although much larger, the city and its fire department had not changed too much. Steam fire engines and wooden aerial ladder trucks were still pulled by horses. Telephones had been in use for two decades, but the department still relied on telegraph and bells for alarms." - Steven Scher / New York City Firefighting 1901-2001

Here is a related film of a parade honoring the city's firefighters in September of the same year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5T0whZxSvM

01/01/12 - 2,506

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Film & Animation

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