Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1865-12-15
FREMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT..


gineer and the Foreman of each ofthe three Fire
Companies, the Fire Department of our town,
turned out in full dress for parade and inspec-
ton by the Common Council The day was
pleasant and the turnout was general of all
members who had procured uniform.
The procession was formed by Chief Engineer
s. BUoKLAND, in the following order:
Fremont Brass Band.
German Company (Hand Engine and Hose
Company numbering IS men, Capt A. You've,
Foreman.
Rescue Hook aud Ladder Company, 40 men
Capt. H. W. BUCKLAND, Foreman.
ASteam Fire Engine, General hcPherson,
drawn by span of grey horses. preceded by its
two Hose Companies, 60 men, Col. H. W.
BRISTOL, Foreman.
The line ofmarch was from the Engine House
up Front Street to Market, up Market to Main,
and hating in front of the Court House, when
they all passed in review before their officers
and the council. They were then addressed by
his honor Mayor EVERETT, and responded by
three times three hearty cheers. u.
MIR. EyERETTs ADDRESS.
FIfemen of Fremont:
Your Chief desires me to say few words to
you. l cheerfully comply, and embrace this
first opportunity to say that the Common Couu-
Gil and all the people of the town are Justly
proud of you; appreciate your sacrifices oftime
and money, and promptness to encounter toll
and danger to protect us against the devouring
element.
Especially DO we all thank you for your
promptness, skill and bravery in extipeuishing
the fire of last Sunday night, which but for your
generous efforts, would have laid in ashes a
large portion of the business part of the town,
and ruined financially, some of our excellent
citizens. @
We endeavor TO appreciate all your labors,
skill and courage and thank you for them. You
surprise us all o-day by your fine appearance,
rapid and graceful movements, perfect organi-
zation, and discipline; all acquired in so short
time.
Here you have a splendid Hook and Ladder
Company, with all its implements. There a
beautiful Hand Engine and appurtenances, all,
in excellent order and manned all together by
nearly two hundred strong, active resOlute men.
We feel now, that we are able to fight fire, far
better than ever before in Fremont.
l know that all the accommodations you
ought to have are not given. You need more
But the council have used all the means which
the law and the time permitted this year for
these purposes. l am sure it is the wish of the
present council, | know it is mine. that we
could have done more. No doubt the council
next year will see to it, that You are furnished
with these further facilities.
While looking at this beautiful display of
banners, machinery aud uniformed firemen,
am impelled to a comparison of the present
with the past, and the progress in the Fire De-
partment exemplifies our progress in all other
respects. To illustrate this permit me to tell a
"little story
About 20 or 25 ago, cannot now recur to the
exact year, at one of our municipal elections the
question was made, whether the town should
buy fire engine, or procure the building of
hay scales, for public use.
The landlords believing themselves cheated
in the weight of the hay they bought, went with
their influence of the hay scales, and on the
other side were arrsyed those who dreaded fire
more than short weight on hay
The contest was hot and bitter. The hay
scales party won. Hay scales were built, and
used year or two. and getting out of repair,
were little used. One night the cry of fire rang
through the town and every body as usual turn
ed out, some with buckets and more without
buckets, some fell to work and more fell to
standing still, and looking on. A barn not far
from the hay scales was well on fire and it was
soon apparent that the fire was beyond control
and barn and contents must go. While the
flames were surging up into the dark vault of
the sky and casting wide a lurd glare, and the
cries of more water, more buckets, was mingled
in the roar and confusion. Old Judge Rowland,
who had been regular member of the fire en-
gine party, erected his tall form into the lurid
glare, and in thunder tones roared out. "You
id fools, why don't you bring on your hay
scales |"
The procession then moved on Main Street to
State, down State Street crossing the bridge to
the east side of the river. Returning passed up
F1ont to Garrison, from Garrison TO Arch Street,
on Arch 10 the Engine House, when after few
compliments they were dismissed
The Fire Department of Fremont numbers
about 250 men, embracing the best men of our
town. Only about IT'S men on parade, all not
yet having procured their uniform. We think
there is no town in Northern Ohio that can turn
out more efficient Fire Department. and the
display on Tuesday did credit to the Firemen
and honor to the community. Fire is a mighty
adversary to cope with, but on many occasions
our gallant firemen have met the destroyer and
wrested from his destroying power property of
great amount. We always regret the occasion
for trial of right, but when it does come, our
firemen are always victorious.