1899 Waterous Steamer
The Waterous HD (Horse Drawn) Steamer, Serial # 102 with 1100 GPM pump was originally commissioned in 1899 by the City of St. Paul at former Fire House # 4, 301 East 10th Street, St. Paul Minnesota as Engine #4. This three horse drawn apparatus was attended by hose wagon #4 that carried 1,000 feet of hose.
It was in service from 1899 to 1937.
On August 12, 1916 it was modified with a chain driven front drive tractor, serial number 1413, by American LaFrance and remains in that same form. The last time the boiler was inspected was in 1937 when it was retired from service, but not from display. Although the engine itself was retired in ’37, it wasn’t until 2001 that the Bigfork Fire Department received it from the Bovey Foundation. Ford Bovey had the engine shipped from St. Paul to Great Falls, MT by rail in 1942.
Sometime later Ford displayed the engine in Virginia City until his death at which time the Foundation gifted it to Bigfork. Every year the department runs the Steamer in the Fourth of July parade with future plans to have it appear during Christmas as well as St Patrick’s Day.
The apparatus represents a huge investment in labor not to mention replacement parts and thanks to Duane Rehard who has donated an endless amount of time and energy servicing the engine to keep it in running condition for its' annual drive through Bigfork, in the 4th of July Parade.
The department is always in need of donations to support the upkeep of the Steamer. Tax deductable donation can be sent to The Friend’s of Bigfork Fire.
The historical information which the department has been able to obtain is accurate to the best of our knowledge.
It was in service from 1899 to 1937.
On August 12, 1916 it was modified with a chain driven front drive tractor, serial number 1413, by American LaFrance and remains in that same form. The last time the boiler was inspected was in 1937 when it was retired from service, but not from display. Although the engine itself was retired in ’37, it wasn’t until 2001 that the Bigfork Fire Department received it from the Bovey Foundation. Ford Bovey had the engine shipped from St. Paul to Great Falls, MT by rail in 1942.
Sometime later Ford displayed the engine in Virginia City until his death at which time the Foundation gifted it to Bigfork. Every year the department runs the Steamer in the Fourth of July parade with future plans to have it appear during Christmas as well as St Patrick’s Day.
The apparatus represents a huge investment in labor not to mention replacement parts and thanks to Duane Rehard who has donated an endless amount of time and energy servicing the engine to keep it in running condition for its' annual drive through Bigfork, in the 4th of July Parade.
The department is always in need of donations to support the upkeep of the Steamer. Tax deductable donation can be sent to The Friend’s of Bigfork Fire.
The historical information which the department has been able to obtain is accurate to the best of our knowledge.