Firefighting in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: 1741-1917 was written by Chris Eline, Nancy Rutman and Karen Samuels. This 136-page, full-color paperback 8” x 10” book is in landscape format. Of the three books, it covers the greatest period of time and the widest variety of fire apparatus. The book chronicles the history of firefighting in Bethlehem from the early Moravian settlers and their bucket brigades and it ends with the first early motor fire apparatus. It also tells the story of the development of the community and the important role that the volunteer fire service played. It includes short biographies of chief engineers, accounts of significant fires as well as stories of the wide variety of hand, and horse-drawn and early motor fire apparatus. These included hand-tubs, hose reels, steamers, combination wagons, ladder wagons and ladder trucks as well as chemical engines.

The book is illustrated with more than 200 images, many of which are vintage photos that are appearing in print for the first time. These include images of the men, apparatus and animals that protected this community as it evolved from a few small settlements to three separate boroughs. The story concludes in 1917 when these boroughs consolidated as the modern City of Bethlehem.

Firefighting in Bethlehem includes many sidebars. These offer interesting historical details and are illustrated with equally interesting photographs. The book also features many maps, which provide important context in telling a story about the North, South and West sides, as well as Northampton Heights. Particularly interesting are the “pre-1918 Firehouse Locator Maps.” The book also has an index, which is uncommon in books like this. For someone like me, who likes to go looking for particular apparatus, or for people who might be looking for information on a particular fire company, this is very helpful. ( )