The Somerville Firemen’s Museum is planning a Sunday, Oct. 8 "street party" to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of the town’s purchase of its horse-drawn "steamer" fire engine.

The steam powered Amoskeag pumper was delivered in the fall of 1873 from Manchester, NH via railroad and served the department as Engine Company. No. 1 through the early 20th Century. 

The steamer, which had the then amazing capability to pump 500-gallons of water per-minute, has been maintained in its near-original condition and is housed at the museums’ 17 North Doughty Ave firehouse.   

The fire engine will be on display during its “birthday” celebration at the Fire Museum along with an antique 1850s human powered hand pumper which kids of all ages will be able to operate outdoors on North Doughty Ave. The street will be partially shut to traffic during the event from noon until 4 pm. Additional current Somerville fire apparatus will also be on display.

A ribbon cutting and remarks from Mayor Dennis Sullivan and Fire Chief Robert Wortman will kick off the celebration after a blessing of the apparatus by Rev. Ronald Pollock, pastor of St. John’s Episcopal Church. The event will be run in conjunction with the Somerset County's Heritage Trails Weekend.