Name/Title
Fire HydrantEntry/Object ID
2023.18.10Description
Cast iron fire hydrant with the later-style, six-pointed snowflake logo of the Eddy Valve Company of Waterford, New York. This barrel model hydrant has two 90-degree, 2.5" nozzles with a chain to prevent the loss of the caps. The hydrant cover has a fluted design and a braided rope motif adorns the O.D. [outside diameter] rib below the nozzles.
The hydrant had been painted many colors over its years of service including yellow, green and, most recently, red. The peeling and wear patterns in the paint, with the never-sleeping addition of rust, give the hydrant a mottled color.Context
According to Vic Bella, for many years this hydrant laid in the museum garden, along the north wall of the building.
In 2015, Erik Kirchert "planted" the hydrant to stand upright in its current location. The hydrant is not connected to a water supply.
The original source of the hydrant is unknown. Most of these hydrants have been replaced with newer hydrants that support a greater water flow.
This hydrant may have been one of the"double hydrants" noted in the 1910 and 1916 Sanborn Fire map [see 2009.15.02 and 2009.15.04].
According to Erik Kirchert of the Saugatuck Township Fire District, no hydrants of this type are in use as of 2023.Collection
Fires and fire departmentsCataloged By
Winthers, SallyAcquisition
Accession
2023.18Acquisition Method
Found in CollectionLocation
Building
History Museum at Mt. Baldhead Park/Pump House MuseumRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Saugatuck Public School 1897-1950General Notes
Note
http://www.firehydrant.org/pictures/eddy_valve01.html:
Eddy Valve was established in 1847 in Waterford, NY. Eddy Valve manufactured fire hydrants until the 1940s when the company that had previously been distributing their fire hydrants, James B. Clow and Sons, purchased the company and began selling the hydrants as their own line. James B. Clow and Sons eventually became Clow Valve who currently sells fire hydrants.
According to Clow sales literature, the Eddy-style hydrant has been serving communities since 1875.Create Date
June 27, 2023Update Date
July 9, 2023
