Further antedating of hydrant (1801)

[Joel S. Berson]

Poulson's American Daily Advertiser [Philadelphia], January 28, 1801, page 3:

"When the water first issued from the Hydrants [in small caps;
calling attention to a rare word?] which are placed in various parts
of the streets, it was considerably turbid, owing to the filth which
had collected in the pipes when they were laid down,  and which had
never before been discharged---but it very soon assumed a limpid
appearance; and there can be no doubt but that for drinking and
culinary purposes it will be found infinitely preferable to the water
of our pumps."

[Not much has changed in 106 years!]

This article begins "Yesterday the Centre Square Engine was put in
motion, and the waters of the Schuylkill were distributed along the
pipes of conduit through the streets of Philadelphia."

Joel

At 8/30/2007 11:51 AM, Stephen Goranson wrote:
>OED cites 1828 in Webster
>
>(Gale 19th century US newspapers)
>The Scioto Gazette, (Chillicothe, OH) Saturday, September 10, 1803
>[date not on
>the page, but the news looks plausible for then]; Issue 172; col D
>     Philadelphia, August 26 Melancholly
>"Yesterday morning the city was alarmed by...fire....Notwithstanding the
>difficulty of access by any number of engines, the hydrant and hose were made
>subservient to the most effectual purposes. The flames were completely
>overpowered by five o'clock...."
>
>Stephen
>
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