The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-04-28
ANNIVERSARY
OF THE ,r..
CHARLESTON FIRE DEPARTMENT.
THE PREPARATIONS.

carriages. Tho tailOrs and saddlers all were kept
busily employed in the manufacture Of new hats |
and uniforms. As the great day drew nearer, the |
excitement became more and moro intense. Nor |
were the fremen alone in this feeling; but it WAS
largely shared by all their friends and acquaint-
ances and particularly by nearly every lady in the
city. Some Of the latter had been busiiy engaged |
for many days making wreaths, garlands, chap |
let's festoons and pyramids, to adorn the engines
of their choice. Tho greatest enthusiasm peryad-
ed the entire community yesterday, and e1pecta-
ton was on tiptoe throughout the morning.
There were several adventitious circumstances
that lent additional interest to this anniversary.
There had been no iremen's celebration in seve
raj years; two handsome steam engines had been
recently introduced; the delegation from our
sister State, that had honored with their
presence, was another interesting feature. There
were also q large number Of recent members, who
entered into the enjoyment Of this festival with
the full zest OF buoyant youth. The two prize
cups were another Indictment; and lastly, this
was the fret general gala day we have had in the
city since the close Of the war.
THE WEATHER.
Fortunately the weather was very fair, and, al
though the sun poured his rays with considerable
intensity about meridian, the temperature WAS
rather below the average Of the season. There
was still considerable wind, though not as much
as during the several days preceding; and on the
whole, we think the weather was as pleasant as at
any previous anniversary. Sc .' a.''.
THE LADIES AND THE FLowERs.
At an early hour yesterday morning, fremen
were seen hurrying through the streets, loaded
with wreaths and bouquets Of the most beautiful
flowers. Flora was profuse In her odoriferous
gifts, affording us delicious antepast Of bloom
ing May The engines all were beautifully decora-
ted, pleasing proof thnt fair hands and refined
taste assisted in their arrangement.
About eleven o'clock, our fairest flowers made
| their appearance tho ladies could be seen COM
| ing from the remotest parts Of the city, toward
the leading points along the line Of march, Doors
| and windows along Meeting and Broad streets
were in great demandI Every available niche was
adorned by a saint or angel. The verandah at the
Charleston Hotel, the ,steps and portico Of the
Market Hall, and the Windows of the Council
Chamber, reminded us Of the good old days, when
Fourth Of Julys, and Military and Fire Parades,
drew forth the beauty and fashion Of our oity
The scene yesterday Was gay and attractiye In the
| extreme The streets were lined with beeptiful
ladies, arrayed in all the rich plumage of the
spring mode; and smiling sweetly, and gently
excited with hope and expectation, as they looked
| up the street, little impatiently, wondering
| "why the engines don't make haste and come"
THE PROCESSION. nr $50,
! little after ia n. the several companies hav-
ing assembled on the Citadel Green, they took
their places according to programme, and the
procession started down Meeting street.
| First in order came vanguard Of Che 9Th q. g.
Regulars, kindly furnished by Gen. S1oKLEs. The
large and splendid band, attached to this regi-
ment, were in attendance, adding much to the
interest and pleasure OF the occasion. United
States officer, accompanied by Lieutenant of the
| City Police, rode next.
| The Chief, Assistants, and Clerk Of the Board
Of Fire Masters, all dressed in handsome uni
forms, came next In order; and we're followed by
| his Honor the Mayor, and the Board Of Alder
men. I'VE missed the time-honored wsnds of
Office, heretofore borne by these functionaries.
Why have they been discarded or did these ven
erable batons perish by the viscissitudes Of war,
like so many other Of our ancient institutions Fl
THE GEORGIA INDEPENDENT F1RE COMPANY, OF
Augusta, now came with their engine. They
paraded about fifty men, and made very hand
| some appearance. The officers were O. e. DoDp,
LIST Lieut.. commanding GEO. ADAMS, I'd Lieut..
GEO. W. BRoADHuRsr, Secretary and Treasurer
]. Il. p. MoLAuaHLIN, Pipeman, and j. GLENN
HEARD, Assistant Pipeman. The motto OF the
Company is Nunquan non paratus. ,..., &
The GAzELLE Company, alao from Augusta, next
passed with their hose-carriage, q very light and
beautiful vehicle There is but a small detach.
ment Of this Company in the city; CLAY FosTER IL
the Captain, and o. e. CARMoHAEL Lieutenant.
The PIONEER, Steamer Engine, led the van oi
the Home Fire Department.. This Company IL
known as the Charleston Fire Company OF Axe
men. They have just receiveda most beautiful
new steamer, Ito be christened the Lille Sue'')
and made q splendid appearance yesterday. z
D. ENsroN Ia the President. There are about 81
members in the Company about As paraded
The hose-carrisge was the handsomest in tn,
. procession. The engine. WAS elegantly adorned
and the uniforms looked very fine. The Pionee
| was built by CLAPP & JONES, New York he
weight is about 1000 pounds boilers feet
inches In diameter and feet high steam cylinde
81 diameter, with inches stroke pump 5feet d
diameter, inches stroke. The pump has
J discharge openings, using nozzles varying from
!, to IL inohes
u The EAGLE came next, very tastefully decorated
, wreath, inscribed "To Oun DEADn precede
the Engine. The company has about 81 members
/ paraded about 45. r. s.. DUaYEA is the Presi
dent. This engine has been In use since 1855
The banner Of the Company bore the legend
Senlper Parai.
THE yrornANr keeps up her ancient presttge, an
certainly made splendid show. The decoration
! were, perhapB, the most elaborate Of the day
That splendid pyramid of fine flowers must has
:: cost vast deal Of, labor, and tho, company ow
Misc 8. large debt of gratitude for this elegar