The Hallowell Fire Department was organized in 1834. The Tiger engine was added in 1837 and Company No. 4 was formed. A history of the Hallowell Fire Department notes, "There was a considerable rivalry between the Lion and the Tiger and the clerk of the Tiger gives the Lion's tail a yank at every opportunity in his records."

Hallowell purchased a steamer in 1880 capable of pumping 600 gallons a minute and the Tiger was removed from fire-fighting duties. This photograph most likely shows the Tiger Company that competed in fireman's musters. Note the drummer who kept beat while the firemen manned the pump. Today the Tiger is fully restored and resides in the cellar of the firehouse. In 1900 the fire station moved into what had been the old Town House on Second Street, seen in the background.