Columbia gazette., 1854-01-07
EXCURSION OF HOOK & LAD
DER Co, No. l, OF LOLUM-
BIA, TO SONORA.

booming Of the field piece at the head Of
Broadway, announced that something
unusual was transpir.ng, while thougrh the
different avenues and streets of our town,
our gallant firemcn in their gay uni
forms, might be seen vending their way
to the Exchange; where their Appara
tus had been stationed. At 9 O'Clock,
the Boys were on the ground, in large
numbers, and everything gave promise
of a splendid turnout. At the order to
fall in, sixty-three men were in rcadi-
ness, including 6ne Brass Band
Foreman Van Arsdall was the only reg
ular Officer at Parade, the others, with
many active and spirited members, from
various private causes, finding it impos-
sible to participate in the Excursion.
The Secretary Of the Company was ap-
pointed first Assistant Foreman for the
day, and past Foreman Leary, second
Assistant.
The Parade was formed in fine style,
and with precision and order worthy
Of vetrans-at the head marched stall
worth John Dawson, with double rank
of six Pioneers, axes in hand, present.
ing manly and imposing appearance.
The erect carriage of these Firemen, of
whom the shortest man was six feet one,
attracted universal attention. Next fol-
lowed the Band in blue uniform, dis
coursing the most inspiring music, and
forming strong contrast with the gay
uniform of the Firemen. At the front Of
the rope, marched our valued friend
and old Columbian, Maj Farnsworth,
bearing aloft the National Banner; the
Major seemed to have grown young for
the occasion, and in his proud carriage
of the gallant stripes and stars, was for
the day one of the Boys indeed. Rope
in hand came the gallant Citizens, who
had banded themselves together for the
public good-the rear of the apparatus
bro'tup by thatprince of good souls, the
glorious Dan Patterson. The sight was
truly gratifying, and all Columbia felt
proud of their representatives, as Hook
& Ladder Co. No. /, wound its way up
the Hill side en-route for Sonora.
The march continued in good order,
and at II o'clock the Company drew up
on the Plateau below the Saratoga
House. At the City limits, Hook &
Ladder Co. No. /, Of Sonora were drawn
up, their war-worn Apparatus, decorat-
cd with Banners and flowers, the Co.
flags and national emblems gaily huttering
in the breeze. Foreman D. A. Enyart,
came forward and announced that the
Firemen of Sonora, claimed the Colum-
bians as their guests, and babe them
pass into the City. Crossing the creek,
the Company marched through the
double files Of the Sonorians, and were
loudly cheered. At the halt, Foreman
Enyart, welcomed them to Sonora and
the hospitalities of its Firemen and citi-
zens, in warm and brilliant address,
which was responded to, by an Officer
of the Columbians in an appropriate
manner. The bands of both Companies
were now united, the colors of both
placed at the head of the column, and
Chief Engineer Mclean of Columbia
who had accompanied our Boys, marched
with the Chief Engineer of Sonora.
The long and brilliant line passed up the
hill and entered Washington street,
cheered on by the citizens. while the
loud notes of well discharged salute
went rafting along the hills.
The Parade and extended ciyilities
showered upon our Firemen by all par
ties Of the citizens of Sonora would occu-
py more extended space than could be
given in detail, suffice it to say, that en-
tertainments were given to them at the
City and Placer Hotels, and individual
ly by large number of gentlemen Of
Sonora. A magnificent Dinner in the
splendid dining Hall of the Placer, the
table spread with every luxury, and in a
style that would have reflected the high
est credit to first class Hotel in one of
our Atlantic Cities. At the table the
generous Firemen Of Sonora We'd With
each other in their attentions, Enyart
passing from table to table, to see that
all his guests were bountifully supplied,
making his attentions with the delicacy
Iof tho true and generous hearted gen.