MAGNUS AT THE FIRE

In the early 1900s the horse-drawn pumpers of America's fire departments were replaced by "newfangled contraptions," motorized fire engines. Majestic and expectant, but newly retired, Magnus the fire horse watches his captain and firemen respond to the next bell in the new vehicle. Magnus responds also--over the fence and to the scene! Like John Henry, Magnus does not retire to old Captain Francher's farm without an impressive display of fortitude. Jim Jenner brings the distinctive voice of a seasoned storyteller. It's just right for evoking that period in America when the fire horse was an esteemed community member. A.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: AUG/ SEP 06]