Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1857-08-08
The Visit of the Davenport Fircmen.

sual ulsPlay' In acceptance of an invitation
from the Muscatine Light Guards. the mem-
bcrs OF the twcfre companies of Davenport.
numbering sc men, with their friends of tho
opposite sex and a brass band, visited this
city and were received and entertained
IN a cordial and enthusiastic mannef.
At about ten O'Clock the train with the
visitors arrived. The cloud mouthcd'' CAM
non announced the eSent in tones that reyer-
berated from bluff to bluff Of our majestic
rlTer' The Light Guards were in WAITING
at the depot, in full uniform and with tho
band playing muic. They detiled in front
OF the Ogilvie House, and the fremen ar
ranged themselves Immediately in front of
the train, thus forming hollow square,
Capt. Wallace stepped forward and
IN behalf of the Light Guards, welcomed
the visitors to our city. Capt. r. NJ. Littler;
OF Davenport, /, responded in behalf Of the
fremen.
A procession was then formed, Ecaded BIZ
the Light Guards and band and followed by
the hremen with long retinue of carriages
containing the ladies of the guests. The
procession went up Chestnut to Second
street, up Second to Spruce, up SPRUCE to-
Third, up Third to Cherry, along Cherry
to Fourth, down Fourth to Linn, and
thence. back to Second. Quite num-
Der OF flags were suspended across Sec
ond street, and many houses were decorated
with them. The balconies and windows of
most Of the houses were crowded with la
dies, who cast wreaths Of flowers and eyer-
green upon the procession as it passed. The
gallant firemen responded to these tokens of
welcome with frequent cheers:
When the procession got to- Mulberry
street, it turned up that street as far as Fifth,
thence along Fifth to Oak, up Oak to Sixth,
along Sixth to Mulberry, from whence it
proceeded to Water street and then out to the
celebration grounds above Mad creek:
Here very good dinner, considering the
short time in which it was gotten up, had
been prepared under the auspices of Jacob
Pritchett. At about two O'Clock all things
We're in readiness. and the attack upon the
''good things" commenced.
After dinner, the assembly was called to-
order, and Mr.. Burgesser; Esq read the fol-
lowing regular toasts: .....
l. The Faremen Of Dn6enp6rt.-A beau;s
tlful ornament to that beautiful city-worthy
guardians of the homes of their fellow cities
Welcome, welcome, welcome to our city.
Responded to in a very neat speech by
Capt. r: NJ. 1ittler, Of Davenport, who CON-
cluded by Offering the following appropriate
sentiment:
Muscatime Light Gudrds.-Their courtesys
soldier-like appearance and gallant bearing
assure us that should their country need
their services in the hour o. peril, they will
be an invincible bulwark in defence Of our
rights and our liberties.
2. This Joyous Day.-May its festivities
and associations connect BY stronger ties OUT
iron bound Union.
Responded to by J. Scott Richman, Of
Museatine5 in a very beautiful and appro-
pirate manner.
3. The Press Of Iowa-A powerful engine
IN moulding tine pubic mind: entrusted to-
its keeping, the interests Of youthful Iowa
will receive no Cetrifnent:
Responded to by E. II. Thayer, of the En-
quirer, in his usually easy and happy man.
ner.
4. The Fair Ladies Of Davemport.--
Justly celebrated for their social worths
their beauty and their patriotism: they are
here with their approving smiles at this fes-'
tai union OF sister cities.
Responded to by John Johns, Esq, of
Davenport. ......,...
5. The Cities Of Davenport and Ma1sca-
tine Twin children Of the Father of Wa.
tiers: they form the COMMERCIAL pass Of
Central Iowa to the Atlantic cities.
Responded to by J. G. Washburn, Of Das
venport.
g. The Citizen Soldier:-1n peace our
pride, in war our defence:
Responded to by Capt. John H. Wallace
of the Light Guards, who beautifully allu<
ded to the fact that although volunteer nils
itary companies are considered merely lholi=
day ornaments, yet they have proved them:
selves in time of war equal if not superior
to the standing army.
After the conclusion of the toasts and re-
sponses, the Davenport Firemen sung hxt
morous song. The procession was again
formed and proceeded back to the city. The
Light Guards halted at their artnory on Sec-
ond street and the french passed them amid
aeafening cheers At the corner Of Second
street and Iowa Avenue the french made d
feiht Of tie alarm Of fire; and fssheA des-
peratcIy down tie street With their kose ear
riages The effect t1pon Bic spectators waS
really lttdicrntis. Some Fan after the COM
parry as though they thought there really Wars
u fire somewhere in that direction. TA4
nose carriages were taken 70 Water street
IN front Of Benefits mill. They sunirted
streams Of water TO the top Of tie sti444~
This exhibition wound up the exercises Of
he day In the evening ball Was given at
Fremont Hall, ard attended by large nu,iir
ser Of the guests and the citizens of this
place. -... ..... ...
One feature Of the entertainment should
1ot pass without notice. 1t was large arch
over Second street in front of the Light
Guards armory~ 1t is about 25 feet high,
ind completely covered with evergreens.
On one side is the word ssWe1come,o wrought
n letters of evergreen on white cloth; on
he other ''Friends," in gilt letters on blue
10th. SarMounting the arch On one side is
he picture "f solder and fireman grasping
lands; ON the other fireman leisurely smo-
sing his cigar and resting ON s'water plug.S
fhe fremen cheered loudly when they passed
tnder this arch. In the evening the arch
vas Illuminated with gas by chandelier
suspended from the middle and burners 80
ach side. 1t presented most beautiful
appearance.