The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-02-26
Fireman's Grand Ball.

Fireman's Grand Ball.
The Military and Civic Bali which ha,
been advertised 10 these columes, came OF on
the evening Of the end, and was complete
success in every sense Of the word. The
Pioneer and Hook and Ladder Companie.
determined to surpass anything in the shape
Of Fireman's Ball ever in this State, and
they have done il. They paid Sl25.00 70.
their music and are perfectly satisfied they
got their moneys worth; and too much
praise cannot DO awarded to these musicians
as every one present tcsti6es. To cap the
whole, they got Col. Boal Of Boston to dec-
crate the outside and inside Of the hall.
which was splendidly accomplished as we
shall presently show. When We were in
the hall 1t was estimated that there were 800
couples upon the floor, while the galleries
and every standing place were crowded. The
most perfect order was maintained, and
nothing occurred to mar tho festivities Of
the occasion. The following is description
Of the decorations:
On Monday large flag 40 feet long, was
run up to the top of the flagstaff. opposite
City Hall. with signal lines running down its
entire length. From the windows to the oppo-
site buildings, four lines, esch one hundred feet
in length were drawn from which gaily foated
the Gags and signals Of all nations. OF course
the stars and stripes were waving every where
about the building, and as one approached the
square from either way the scene was pictu-
rescue and attractive. On the extreme front
was large painting denoting the uprising Of
the North at the call Of the President to defend
the Capital. surrounded with the stars and
stripes and gaily festooned with the tri-color.
In the evening hundreds Of Chinese lanterns
were displayed upon the lines and among the
flags, while large transparency was suspend
ed in front representing FIRE scene.
Within the large hall there was the opportu-
nifty for display, and the artist improved it..
Passing in at the main entrance the eye Is at
tracted by grand triumphal arch IS feet high
aud 20 broad, in front Of the stage, while at
the extreme back was o picturesque battle
scene and in its imme late front was life sized
equestrian statue Of Washington. On the top
of the keystone was massive gilt eagle sur
rounded by glory of national flags, and on
the right and left hung bannerets illustrating
the coats of arms Of all nations. On the arch
proper were the names Of the two companies
in silver letters-Pioneer, Excelsior-connectcd
by clasped hands upon the keystone surround
ed by beautiful wreath of flowers, while un-
derneath this. in silver letters on velvet
scroll were the names Of the captains of the
respective companies-Brooks, Hamilton, and
underneath this scroll were festoons Of tri-color
with heavy gilt bullion fringe with tsssels at
tached. Columns Of arch sustained two mas
sive American shields with the words, "Liber-
ty," and "Union"; ON base Of columns were
two life sized transparencies Of sentinels In ar
NOR. On the extreme right and LEFT were two
statures Of Liberty and Justice. and behind
them on the platform were two yellow silk tents
representing the companies In camp. with their
implements, such as hose carriages, ladders &c..
appropriately arranged. At base Of stage In
front was the name Of Washington.
Facing the other end OF the hall our eye was
FIRST attracted by dome arch over the gallery
with the motto Father Of his Country, and
underneath was full length portrait Of WASH
ington with the motto, Temple Of Liberty, over
which was . large eagle, shield and coat Of arms
FROM this centre gracefully festooned the length
Of the gallery with rosettes Of massive gilt stars.
Around the hall were large silver poster letters
on blue ground OF the names Of the battle-felds
Of tho war. On the various pannels were steel
engravipgs Of Washington, jefferson, jackson,
Webster. Douglas and Mcclellan, with sppro-
pirate and patriotic notices. On the right was
beautiful oil painting Of the Genius Of Ameri-
CO, illustrating the various implements OF the
Arts, Science and Mechanics. Over this figure
was festoon Of tri-colors bearing the motto
Feb. 20. 1854.
On each Of the windows, twelve In number,
were shields four feet in length Of the coats OF
arms Of oil the prominent nations, while the va
rious national Gags were in pyrauidal form tho
entire length. The roof Of the hall was csnopied
with A streamers, red, white and blue, ar
ranged in marquee form. In the centre was
chandelier aower-basket, illuminated with trans
parent lanterns bearing patriotic emblems and
notices.
In fine, wherever the eye rested we found the
artist had anticipated US, leaving no nook or
corner unprovided for. while every groupe was
so arranged as to bring out some artistic Idea.
This was the hrst visit OF Col Beal 10 the State,
and he was evidently determined to equal his
best Efforts He remarked to Us that our City
Hall was the hest proportional hall he ever
decorated. aiding him materially in carrying
out his elaborate and patriotic ideas In the deo-
orativc art.
The MKT MovE THAT the 70 called Dem
ocratic party now sec that the tide Of public
opinion in the United States Is overwhelm-
ingly set against the extension or even exist
cpce Of slavery, is growing moro apparent