Petrolia steam fire engine...

[Steve]

I received an e-mail today from Robert Tremain, Supervisor-Curator of Lambton County Museums, with a query:

Hi Steve & LLF,

I am searching for an image of the old Petrolia steam fire pumping engine, the one drawn by horses, as the subject for a painting to reconstruct what it looked like. A photograph would be good, or even an ad cut, or other depiction. Maybe there exists a more modern photo of it when it returned once to Petrolia?

I also need the make and year of manufacture (from which I hope to research technical drawings). Possibly it was a Waterous engine from Brantford? Finally, do you think you could give me an estimate of start and end dates for its use in Petrolia?

I know these are difficult things to research at the best of times, but if we keep our eyes open then I hope the answers come along. It is my hope to commission a painting that depicts a refinery fire and the engine on a response call.

If anyone has any images or info, please let me know, or feel free to post it here...

Thanks,

Steve