Erie Canal Museum
Lockport, NY 14094

Notable for: site of the first US integrated system to supply water for public safety

Plaque location, if specific: outside small exhibit

Links:

Good Holly links:
http://www.lockport-ny.com/Tourism/canal.htm

http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/lockporthistory/

More about . . . this Mechanical Engineering Heritage Site
Concerned about the general inadequacy of municipal fire protection, Birdsill Holly invented and manufactured an integrated system to supply water for both public supply and fire fighting. The system's principle feature was the absence of reservoirs or standpipes to provide a hydraulic head. Instead, the pumps -- powered by either water turbines or steam engines -- discharged directly into the mains, the water pressure being held constant by an ingenious regulator regardless of demand. The system's high-pressure hydrants supplied water for fire protection in most cases without the need for fire engines.

Visiting Info:
regular hours: May-Oct, during canal operating hours

Ceremony Notes: See also the Lockport District Heating Heritage Site.

Images: Holly Fire Protection and Water System: patent drawings
Copyright authorization is limited to the promotion of the ASME landmarks program, in most cases, and therefore permission to use this image is restricted.