Owego Hose Team takes on new restoration project – WBNG-TV

OWEGO (WBNG) -- The Owego Hose Team is tackling another restoration project in an effort to preserve Owego's history.

Owego was once home to the oldest operational steam fire engine in the United States. The Amoskeag Steam Fire Engine dates back to the 1800's, but it has not been functional since the 1980's. This early version of a fire truck used steam to pump water through hoses.

"In the old days, things were a little bit different," said Owego Hose Team Treasurer John Loftus. "Steam-powered, horse driven, and this one back in the 1800's was actually pulled by hand."

The project will be done in three phases, and it could take a couple of years, costing upwards of $100,000. However, the hose team says they have a purpose, all in hopes of inspiring a new generation of firefighters.

"We're all preserving history for not only what we remember when we were kids, but for our kids and our grandchildren going forward. It's really that pride we have for our community," said Loftus.

The hose team will be hosting fundraising events for the restoration. The "steamer" will be restored in Hope, Maine. To read more about the project, head over to their website.

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Owego Hose Team takes on new restoration project - WBNG-TV