A significant artifact from Bozeman’s early history, a Silsby Fire Engine, is coming to the Pioneer Museum. The twelve foot by five foot, horse-drawn engine is being loaned to the museum by the Bozeman Fire Fighters Local #613.

Manufactured in the nineteenth century by the Silsby Manufacturing Co., of Seneca Falls, NY, the steam-powered engine was the most sophisticated fire-fighting tool of its time. The City of Bozeman purchased the Silsby in 1889 for $4,000, and a notice in the Avant Courier newspaper said the machine “…is as pretty as a little red wagon and spouts water like a young elephant.” The Silsby’s acquisition symbolized Bozeman’s effort to be viewed as a more sophisticated community – its purchase cited during the town’s unsuccessful bid to become the state capitol.

“The engine was the pride and joy of the fire department,” said Museum Director John Russell. “It saw plenty of use, the most significant being the August, 1901 blaze that basically destroyed the Story Mill north of town and caused $200,000 in damages.”

With the onset of the twentieth century and the subsequent development of improved equipment, Bozeman’s Silsby fell into disuse and was retired. Through the years it has been in various parades, including the ninetieth anniversary celebration of Bozeman in 1954. Several years ago, the engine was displayed at the Museum of the Rockies.

“We’re very happy to have the Silsby,” said Russell. “Anyone fascinated by early fire equipment and appreciative of the sacrifice fire fighters make will want to see it.”