The Little Engine that Could has nothing on the Silsby Pumper, the steam-powered, horse-drawn, carriage-style pumper that helped prevent the Village of Russell from completely burning in 1915.

Three local residents have come together to create the new children's book produced by the Russell and District Historical Society. The book was written by journalist and history buff Tom Van Dusen and illustrated by local artist Rebecca Menard. The project was coordinated by Harry Baker, past-president of the society.

The story starts in 1915, when a fire started in the shop of the tinsmith in the little village on a Sunday morning. When it was spotted, a bucket brigade was formed, but soon veryone realized that help was needed. The City of Ottawa put its recently purchased Silsby Pumper, plus hoses and equipment, on the New York Central train, which at that time went directly between Russell and Ottawa. .A team of horses was ready and waiting, and it is believed without the pumper the entire village would have been gone. As it was much of downtown was burned and many businesses and homes lost.

Silsby Saves the Day tells the true story of the first fire engine in Russell. The first 200 copies of the book have just been printed by Cielo Printing of Ottawa.  An official book launch will coincide with the Russell Heritage Festival on September 16. Copies are available now through the historical society.

Here is the conversation between CJRO's Candice Vetter and Harry Baker: