Kennedy Valve - Elmira, NY
Kennedy Valve was founded in 1877 in Elmira, NY. They first produced fire hydrants in the 1890's. This company letterhead dated 1899 shows a manufacturing plant in Coxsackie, NY; some 150 miles from Elmira.

In about 1963 they bought the assets of R.D.Wood Co. and still produce descendents of this line of fire hydrants.

The evolution of Kennedy hydrants is shown below and on the following pages from oldest to newest.

  Early Model (1890's - 1911)
These fire hydrants were produced in the 1890's until 1912. It is unusual to find these fire hydrants still in service today. At the time that Kennedy Valve manufactured the hydrants pictured below, the company was known as The Kennedy Valve Mfg. Co.
  • They were made in 4 sizes; 3", 4", 5", and 6" V.O.
  • The top of the bonnet has a flower petal design.
  • The barrel has a unique 'spiral rope-like' or 'barberpole' appearance. Sometimes referred to as their "Cage Type Hydrant".
  • Both one and two piece barrel versions have been documented as shown below.
  • The image at the left was taken from a company letterhead dated 1899. Note the company logo on the barrel between the nozzles; which the hydrants in the photos below lack. It is possible this logo was simply an embellishment by the engraver rather than a true rendering of hydrants actually manufactured.
    • 0412
    Nozzles: 1x 2½"
    Size: ~3" V.O.
    Barrel: 1 pc.
    Location: ?
    Photo: © 2000, T. Ingalsbe    		 0802
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: ~4" V.O.
    Barrel: 1 pc.
    Location: Jeff K. collection
    Photo: © 2001, Jeff Kaminski    		 0022
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: ~5" V.O.
    Barrel: ? pc.
    Location: Guayaquil, Ecuador
    Photo: © 2000, Reshuan    		 1425
    Nozzles: 2x 2½"
    Size: ~5" V.O.
    Barrel: 1 pc.
    Location: Massachusetts
    Photo: © 2001, Jeff Kaminski
    2477
    Nozzles: 2x 2½" externally gated
    Size: ~5" V.O.
    Barrel: 1 pc.
    Location: Private collection
    Photo courtesy J. Kaminski    		 0414
    Nozzles: 3x 2½" externally gated
    Size: ~5" V.O.
    Barrel: 2 pc.
    Location: ?
    Photo: © 2000, T. Ingalsbe    		 1330
    Nozzles: 3x 2½" internally gated
    Size: ~6" VO, ~13" OD
    Barrel: 1 pc.
    Location: Private collection
    Photo: © Ed Masminster


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