1854 Piano Box Engine "Alma"
The "Alma" was a hand-pumped fire engine in service on the Halifax Peninsula and is historically significant as the last of the old hand engines maintained by the fire service. The pump consisted of a nine inch chamber and was capable discharging 149 gallons per minute. Known as Engine No1 and originally assigned to Division No. 6, it was housed in the Bridewell Grounds engine house, which was destroyed by fire on June 6, 1858. A young man named Lowry managed to save the Alma and its hose during the blaze. Following that event, the engine was temporarily housed in a barn owned by J. R. Foreman on Birmingham Street, offered free of charge.
As the Halifax fire service modernized, the Alma remained operational for some time but was eventually considered for sale in early 1892. The engine house caretaker valued it at $400 and a buyer named Murphy expressed interest. However, members of the No. 6 Division (then located at Queen Street) opposed the sale on sentimental grounds, emphasizing its historical significance. On March 1, 1892, the Board of Firewards and Fire Commissioners officially decided not to sell it.
By that time, the Alma was no longer in front-line service, having been replaced in function by steam engines and hose reels. It was eventually relocated to the Quinpool Road engine house and survives today as a preserved artifact, currently on display at the Yarmouth Firefighters Museum.
February 29th, 1892.
The Board of Fire Wards and Fire Commissioners beg to report as follows:
RE SALE OF HAND ENGINE "ALMA."
Your Board had said engine appraised by the caretaker, who fixed the value at $400, as per his return annexed hereto. But since said valuation was made, your Board have ascertained that the members of No. Six Division place a sentimental value upon said engine that cannot be calculated by dollars and cents, and as it is the only one left of the old hand engines, they recommend that the question of the sale of said engine be not entertained.
Source: Halifax Municipal Archives historical minutes, 1892-02-17to1892-03-31p257-0301