Just as the old “vamps” had opposed the steamers as replacements for hand pumpers, so opposition developed when the steamers were in turn replaced by gasoline equipment. Many firemen, willing to concede that the automobile was here to stay, were not so sure about the gasoline-powered fire truck. A few diehards took a dim view about the internal-combustion engine in general. Cries of “undependable” and “cantankerous” were hurled in answer to talk about substituting gasoline power for the faithful fire horses. Such sentimental objections were a strong factor in postponing the death of the steamers. [Illustration: Combination steam-gasoline fire engines bridged the gap between old-time steamers and present-day equipment. This Dayton engine depended upon an internal combustion engine for motive power, but used steam to drive its pumps.] There was one big advantage to gasoline mechanization, however, that could not be shouted down. Dependable as they were, the fire horses cost money. A few gallons of fuel, it became apparent, were much cheaper than the constant drain on the supply of hay and oats needed for the horses. According to one estimate, the savings each year after a gasoline tractor replaced the hungry horses that formerly pulled the steamer amounted to almost $1,000. When these economic facts finally became apparent, it was obvious to most fire departments that all of the sentimental considerations in the world could not arrest the decline of the old steamers. More and more cities, including Dayton in 1916, joined the parade to gasoline. At first, most of the cities replacing their steamers kept some of the old machines in reserve, but after several years they were usually consigned to the scrap heap, so that today only a tiny fraction of the machines once in use are still intact. Although they date back much farther, more of the hand pumpers perhaps have been preserved than their successors. In many older towns throughout the United States the old “musheens” are still operated at firemen’s festivals and other civic events similar to the old-time firemen’s musters. Although gone forever, the steamers are far from forgotten. To many, modern-day fire-fighting equipment pales in comparison. Like the Clipper Ship, the steam fire engine seems likely to endure as one of the most colorful legacies in our great American heritage. The Carillon Park Engine