Antique 75

Antique 75 – 1855 John Agnew Hand-Drawn Pumper
Antique 75 is a beautifully preserved 1855 John Agnew double-end stroke hand-drawn pumper, a treasured piece of firefighting history and a proud symbol of the Telford Fire Company’s origins.

Originally manufactured for the Philadelphia Fire Department, this pumper was designed for operation by teams of firefighters manually pumping water to extinguish fires. It features a double-end stroke mechanism, allowing multiple firefighters to work both sides simultaneously to maintain water flow—an innovative design in its time.

In 1903, following the devastating “Great Fire of Telford,” which highlighted the urgent need for organized fire protection in the community, the newly formed Telford Volunteer Fire Company purchased this pumper from Philadelphia. It became the very first piece of firefighting equipment owned by the company, marking the beginning of over a century of dedicated service.

For nearly two decades, Antique 75 was the frontline defense against fire in the borough, used in numerous emergency responses across the growing town. It remained in active service until 1920, when it was retired with the arrival of a more modern chemical fire apparatus—a reflection of the changing technology in fire service during the early 20th century.

Though no longer in operation, Antique 75 is proudly preserved by the Telford Fire Company and continues to serve as a tangible reminder of the department’s roots. It is displayed in the Telford Fire Company Museum, helping to educate the public about the evolution of firefighting and the rich history of the fire service.