This is a photo of a hand pumper similar to our hand pumper that was purchased from the City of Newark in 1862. It remained in service until 1883 when the waterworks were completed. The hand pump was no longer necessary since water pressure was available from fire hydrants. The hard suction hose visible at the bottom of the apparatus was used to draft water from the river, the canal, or a cistern. Firefighters operated the long handles (shown in the folded position for transport) to work the pump. It was arduous work. This very heavy apparatus was hand-drawn.