Richfield's Famous Steam Powered Pumper
Old fire engines never die, they end up in the hands of fire buffs who restore them, show them off in parades and create envy among other fire buffs. At least that was the fate of a steam powered pumper that was parked on the lawn of Fred Aicher, who lived on a farm on Hwy 167, Richfield, WI. The highway is the main route to Holy Hill. Hundreds of persons stop by each summer to ask about the handsome piece of equipment and take pictures. Many also have asked to buy it, but Aicher, a longtime member of the Richfield Volunteer Fire Company, says adamantly; “It’s not for sale.”
The engine has had a circuitous trail on the fringe of metropolitan Milwaukee. Cedarburg bought the engine new in 1908 as a replacement for equipment lost when the firehouse burned in 1907. It cost $5,100 and reportedly had been destined for Milwaukee. Just how the suburb got precedence in delivery is not clear. John F. Brown was mayor of Cedarburg then. His name appears in bold, raised letters on the brass collar of the upright boiler. The pumper had a capacity of 750 gallons per minute, according to records of Melvin Maronde, 67, historian and a member of the Cedarburg Fire Department since 1921. The department which got its first engine in 1877 got its first motorized engine in 1924.
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From Cedarburg, the engine apparently went to Wauwatosa to provide steam to thaw sewers. It went later to the town of Pewaukee which also used it to thaw sewers and culverts. The next owner apparently was a Milwaukee chiropractor, who had plans to use its engine on a boat during World War II’s gasoline rationing days. When that idea was abandoned, the engine went to Fred F. Jordan, now 79, a member of the Hartford Fire Department. Its volunteers used it in parades.
The rig later was left neglected under a tree near a cannery. The brass and copper smokestack became a target for children’s stone throwing. About three years ago Aicher bought the antique steamer from Jordan after promising to restore it to its original condition. That turned out to be a major undertaking, even if it was a labor of love.
Aicher spent 30 hours, using salt and vinegar and steel wool, buffing the .jpg)
brass and copper trim, after pounding it smooth. He has replaced some of the wood on the 4 and 5 foot wheels. Aicher put in 200 hours on the restoration. The engine, drawn by a tractor, appeared in Richfield July 4th parades in the past.
Aicher’s engine is not one of the late models, which had rubber tired wheels. The rig, which has a double jacketed boiler, weighs about 21/2 tons. Aicher’s brother, John, replated the nickel plated trim.
This historic treasure has been sold and its restoration continues. The new owner has indicated he would once again show it in the Richfield area once its restoration is completed.
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