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Historic New York City Fireboat Wins Special
National AwardFloating Museum Becomes Crucial Source of Water for Trade Center Firefighters Press Release (Washington, D.C., Oct. 18, 2001) - Before September 11, the John J. Harvey was a little-known piece of Americana docked at a New York City pier. Launched in 1931, she served the N.Y. Fire Dept. for 63 years; after being decommissioned, she enjoyed a quiet life as a floating museum. But when the World Trade Center towers collapsed, the boat's owners and volunteers raced to her helm and took off. For days, the Harvey and two other fireboats were the sole source of water for firefighters on the scene. For the painstaking restoration that kept the fireboat in working condition, and for the bravery of the volunteers at the helm, the National Trust for Historic Preservation today announced that the John J. Harvey has won a special National Preservation Honor Award, to be presented today at the 2001 National Preservation Conference in Providence. "The volunteers and owners who restored the John J. Harvey appreciated its important role in the city's history," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust. "On September 11, so did the rest of New York. Today, preservationists across the nation thank the brave people who brought her back into service on that terrible day. It's not often that an historic site plays such a pivotal role in an emergency situation, but the Harvey passed the challenge with flying colors." The John J. Harvey, which turned 70 last week, was once the most powerful fireboat of its day, capable of the work of 20 fire engines at once. After serving the New York City Fire Department for 63 years, she was bought by private citizens who restored her and successfully nominated her to the National Register of Historic Places. Until the attacks, she spent her days hosting tours and taking public trips in New York Harbor, staffed by volunteers. The morning of September 11, the boat's volunteer crew sped downtown by car, bicycle, speedboat and foot. When she first arrived at the scene, the Harvey was met by 150 ash-caked survivors whom she ferried to safety. Then, amid reports that all fire hydrants were inoperable at the scene, she and two City fireboats pumped water from the Hudson River into hoses relayed to the site. She would stay for nearly a week. "In spite of the tragic events that lead to this recognition, the owners, volunteers and crew of John J. Harvey are very proud on behalf of historic vessels throughout the United States to receive this splendid award from the National Trust," said Chase Welles, president of the group that restored the boat. "We hope it will bring greater attention to the important role that historic vessels play in our nation's past and present, and greater involvement of the broader preservation community in their rescue and restoration everywhere." Read original article (if still published) Read more articles... | |
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Eric Weisler
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