In researching hydrants, I've extensively made use of databases of digitized books such as Google Books. Many books published prior to the 1920s are in the public domain, and are therefore free to access in full on the web - this includes many, many very useful historical records pertaining to fire hydrants. I've created this reference as an attempt to organize and share the many hydrant-related E-books I've found.
NOTE: I am currently still in the process of adding books to this page, please check back frequently to see new books added. In future, any time I find a useful book, I will add it.
This resource was compiled by VOYAGER ANNELID. Please feel free to use this in your own research, but please attribute me and link back to this page so others can find it! Thank you. Page last updated on 02-12-2024
Compiled by J. J. R. Croes. Contains statistical information about the water works of nearly every town in America with water systems at the time of the publishing of the books, including, in many cases, number of fire hydrants in use. Several advertisements for hydrant manufacturers are also featured in these books.
Volume 1 (1883)These are possibly the most useful and valuable resource for a fire hydrant enthusiast, I've referenced these books extensively for pretty much every aspect of my research.
Edited by Moses Nelson Baker. Contains statistical information about the water works of nearly every town in America with water systems at the time of the publishing of the books, including, in many cases, number and type of fire hydrants in use. Several advertisements for hydrant manufacturers are also featured in these books.
Volume 1 (1888)Published by the Spectator Insurance Company, New York City. Contains statistical information about the fire protection and water supply of nearly every town in America, including, in many cases, number and type of fire hydrants in use. Random issues from a variety of dates are presented below
25th Annual Issue (1897-98)Volume V (Jan-Dec. 1878)
Contains several hydrant advertisements.
Volume VIII (Jan-Dec. 1881)
Of interest: "ON FIRE HYDRANTS WITH DESCRIPTION OF ONE IN USE AT HALIFAX, N.S." (pg. 491)
Volume IX (Jan-Dec. 1882)
Of interest:"THE BAILEY FIRE HYDRANT" - a description of the Bailey's Patent hydrant produced by the Mohawk & Hudson Mfg. Co. of Waterford, NY (pg. 26-27). Also contains several hydrant advertisements, including some for Hutchinson & Alexander, Allegheny, PA
Volume XII (July-Dec. 1884)
Contains several hydrant advertisements.
Volume XV (Jan-July 1886)
Of interest: "Municipal Engineering: Paper No. 1. - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - Gates and Hydrants " - Containing illustrations and descriptions of hydrants used in Boston, including the Lowry, Boston, and Ordinary Post. (Pg. 114-116).
Volume XVII (Jan-June 1887)
Of interest: images & descriptions of the Stillwell Mfg. Co.'s "Keystone" pattern fire hydrant, used in Philadelphia. (Pg. 104-105).
Volume XXIII (Jan-June 1890)
Of interest: "New Types of Valves and Fire-Hydrants" - containing more information about the Stillwell Keystone hydrant. (Pg. 305).
Volume XXXIII (Jan-June 1895)
Contains several hydrant advertisements.
Volume XXXIX (Jan-June 1898)
Contains several hydrant advertisements.
Volume XLVII (1902)
Contains several hydrant advertisements.
Volume 69 (1913)
Contains several hydrant advertisements.
Volume XXI (Jan-June 1897)
Of Interest: Articles about New York Test: Eddy (Pg. 3), Beaumont (Pg. 11), Mellert (Pg. 12), Michigan B&I (Pg. 19), Norwood (Pg. 35), Union Hydraulic (Pg. 43), Corey (Pg. 51)
Volume XXIII (Jan-July 1898)
Of Interest: “Coffin Compression Hydrant” (Pg. 94); “The ‘Glamorgan’ Fire Hydrant” (Pg. 198); Several Advertisements
Volume XXVII (Jan-July 1900)
Of Interest: “A Useful Catalogue” (Pg. 125) About Chapman Catalogue; “Glamorgan Pipe & Foundry Company” (Pg. 165); Several Advertisements
Volume XXXI (Jan-July 1902)
Several Advertisements
Volume XXXII (July-Dec 1902)
Of Interest: “The Ludlow Hydrant” (Pg. 188); Several Advertisements
Volume XXXVII (1905)
Several Advertisements including for Holyoke V&H and Herron Pump
Volume XXXIX (Jan-June 1906)
Several Advertisements
Volume XXXX (Jul-Dec 1906)
Several Advertisements Including for Owensboro Hydrant Co.
Volume XXXXIIX (July-Dec 1910)
Several Advertisements
Volume LVI (July-Dec 1914)
Of Interest: “Flush Vs. Post Hydrants” (Pg. 369)
Volume LIX (July-Dec 1916)
Of Interest: “Corey Frost Proof Fire Hydrants” (Pg. 46); “Eddy Fire Hydrants” (Pg. 62); “Among The Manufacturers - Bourbon Fire Hydrant” (Pg. 205); “Setting and Care Of Fire Hydrants” (Pg. 216); Several Advertisements
Volume LXI (Jan-June 1917)
Of Interest: “Among The Manufacturers - Ludlow Valve Mfg. Co.” (Pg. 24); “Fire Hydrant” (Pg. 392)
Volume LXVI (July-Dec 1919)
Of Interest: “Fire Hydrants” (Pg. 701); Several Advertisements
Volume LXXI (Jan-June 1922)
Of Interest: “Repair Parts for Stover Hydrants” (Pg. 994); Several Advertisements
Many old city documents and reports are available through Google Books. These books often contain information about the number and type of hydrants in a given city, and in some instances, extensive lists showing the location of every hydrant as well. Reports are sorted below by city, alphabetically.
Reports On Cities, Volumes 1-10
Cities in this issue: Norfolk, VA; Pittsburgh, PA; Bridgeport, CT; Hoboken, NJ; Cincinnati, OH; Allegheny, PA; Paterson, NJ; Syracuse, NY; Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY
Reports On Cities, Volumes 11-19
Cities in this issue: Albany, NY; Troy, NY; Worcester, MA; Providence, RI; Newark, NJ; St. Louis, MO; Atlanta, GA; El Paso, TX; Jersey City, NJ
Reports On Cities, Volumes 20-29
Cities in this issue: Birmingham, AL; Mobile, AL; Savannah, GA; Knoxville, TN; Augusta, GA; Memphis, TN; Vicksburg, MS; New Orleans, LA; Bakersfield, CA; San Diego, CA
Reports On Cities, Volumes 30-39
Cities in this issue: Fresno, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Stockton, CA; Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; San Francisco, CA; Oakland, CA; New York, NY; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA
Reports On Cities, Volume 48
City in this issue: Philadelphia, PA
Annual Report, Issues 6-31
Includes summary of hydrants put in, taken out, and total for each year. Mentions "Morgan" hydrant.
1865 Report
Includes discussion about A. Sylvester & Co. Lowry type hydrants.
Report of the Watuppa Water Board Volumes 1-7 (1875- )
Includes discussion about Pattee & Perkins Hydrants. Later Includes comprehensive list indicating location and type of every hydrant in the city ca. 1879.
1896 Annual Report
Includes comprehensive list with location and type of every hydrant in use.
1902 Annual Report
Includes comprehensive list with location and type of every hydrant in use.
1909 Annual Report
Includes comprehensive list with location and type of every hydrant in use.
Annual Report Volumes 1-12 (1877- )
Indicates location of new Lowry hydrants set during the year.
Annual Report Volumes 23-29 (1899- )
Indicates type and location of new hydrants set during the year.
Annual Report Volumes 30-35 (1906- )
Indicates type and location of new hydrants set during the year.
1910-11 City Documents
Includes table showing number of each type and nozzle configuration in use. NOTE Several other editions available.
1897 Annual Report
Includes summary of makes of hydrants in use in the city.
1903 Annual Report
Includes summary of makes of hydrants in use in the city.
1908 Annual Report
Includes summary of makes of hydrants in use in the city.
1913 Annual Report
Includes summary of makes of hydrants in use in the city.
Annual Report Volumes 21-24 (1897-1900)
Includes summary of hydrant types in use, and list of hydrants put in and taken out.
Account of the Proceedings Upon the Transfer of the Salem Water Works to the City Authorities, 1869
Includes in-depth description of Lowry hydrants used.
Annual Report Volumes 5-18 (1890-1904)
Includes list with location and type of every hydrant in the city, plus a summary.
Annual Report Volumes 27-30 (1900-1903)
Includes list with location and type of every hydrant in the city. More Volumes Available.
Although exceedingly rare, a few hydrant manufacturer's catalogs are available to view on Google books.
Chapman Valve - Catalogue of Gate Valves and Fire Hydrants (1888)
Contains descriptions of Chapman Fire Hydrants.
Chapman Valve - Catalogue & Price List of Valves, Fire Hydrants, Etc. (1899)
Contains descriptions of Chapman Fire Hydrants, Models List 80-85, as well as Roof Hydrants.
James B. Clow & Sons - Illustrated Catalogue of James B. Clow & Sons (1899)
Contains descriptions of Eddy fire hydrants, and "American Standard" hydrants produced for Clow by American Foundry & Mfg. Co.
Other resources with information about hydrants.
A History of American Manufactures from 1608 to 1860
Mentions A. Sylvester & Co.
Chemical Engineering Catalog, Issue 6
Overview of R. D. Wood hydrants (1921)
Cyclopedia of Fire Prevention and Insurance: A General Reference ..., Volume 2
Article about hydrants & hose houses, cutaways of Roe Stephens, Ludlow, & Chapman List 83 hydrants
Engineering Record, Volume 43 (1901)
Various advertisements
Insurance Engineering, Volume 10
Article about Union Hydraulic Works “Thompson” compression hydrant, mentions R. Stileman
Journal of the New England Water Works Association, Volume 21
Article about Newcomb Holyoke hydrant tests