History at the Old Stone Fort - 18th Century Fire Engine

The Deluge

This 18th-century fire engine was donated to us by the Town of Esperance, New York in 1889, making it one of the first objects in our collection. It was long believed to be a 1731 engine made by Richard Newsham, but recent research suggests it may have been manufactured in New York in the late 1780s or early 1790s. It was sent to us by the Old Stone Fort’s Clay Edmunds.

The engine saw use in Schenectady, New York from 1797 to 1815, and later in Esperance from 1815 to 1885.

You can see this remarkable piece on display starting Opening Day, May 1!

We are seeking donations for conservation efforts. If you would like to support the preservation of this historic artifact you can call us at (518) 295-7192 or donate through our website theoldstonefort.org.