New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-10-06
DAY OF FIREMEN'S ENJOYMENT
AN ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
BROOKLYN FIRE COMPANY

Brooklyn Fire Company No. 2, of Algiers,
celebrated its thirteenth anniversary yes
tcrday, in the customary manner Of former
years.
At an early hour, the members assembled
at their hall on Bouny street, in full uniform,
prepared to have day Of enjoyment, un-
alloyed by the hard work and frequent
danger attendant upon most Of their gath
erings together.
Formed in line and headed by Frank Gun
ther's splendid cornet band, they marched
through the principal streets OF the Fifth
District, stopping on their way at the resi-
dence of Madame PujOl.
Here were assembled number of the fair
daughters Of Algiers to witness the presenta-
ton of sumptuOus and tasteful wreath pre-
pared for the occasion by the ladies,
mothers, wives, sisters and daughters Of
fremen.
Tie wreath was presented by Miss Victo-
ria Held, who made u charming little
speech to the effect that the Fire Depart
ment was the one organization, where men
of all shades of opinion in politics
or religion might meet freely to-
view the common object of public good.
Mr.. Henry kevelin received the pretty
present, offering the thanks of the cOmpany v
in appropriate terms.
The march was resumed and the com
pany, crossing the river, plraded up Canal
street, and, turning into Camp, stopped in
front of the REPUBLICAN Office, where the
accompanying band of music played its
most beautiful pieces with great effect.
After this appreciated compliment, the
company proceeded to the lake, where
ample preparations had been made for
their reception. As usual ON similar occa-
the members desired to carry nothing more
burtiensome than the good things that
awaited them at Denechauds.
The ample board at the restaurant was
spread with every desirable luxury of the
season. not forgetting the means OF genial
indulgence for that portion OF the company
who did not agree with Mr.. Stiggins that
'.taps was wanities." A couple Of hours of
hilarious enjoyment passed, kept within the
bounds Of moderation, the occasion being
graced by the presence of q number of fami-
lies of the members. The song, the toast,
the sentiment, circulated around, while
bursts of music from the band enlivened
the scene.
The whole affair was highly creditable to
the committee of arrangements, Hessrs.
+. Lacour' j. Zatarain and p. Dusau. To-
ward evening the company, happy as
men ought to be who partake Of enjoyment
without excess, took the incoming train,
and in company with wives and little
ones, returned to the city. Crossing the
river, the anniversary terminated by short
parade through the streets and dismissal at
the hall.
Brooklyn Fire Company No. 2, of Alsiers,
is acknowledged by competent judges to be
one of the most efficient fire organizations
existing any where. 1t has certainly done
good service and plenty of it. not only in
Algiers, but in the surrounding neighbor-
hood, since its formation. Like the other
Algiers companies, its members comprise
the bone and sinew of that locality. and any
one who knows the stalwart men of Algiers.
the strong-armcd workers III wood and iron
about the dry docks. will acknowledge that
the Fifth District has its full share Of bone
and sinew.
Brooklyn was organized in 1857. as a
volunteer fire company, since winch time 1t
has never been absent on any occasion
when its services were needed. !SeDtper
para!sss" always ready, it has ever kept
up the spirit of healthy emulation and
esprit de corps that tends SO much to
the efficiency of our fire companies. Its
present complete equipment is for the most
part due to the eNertions of its members,
and their kith. kin and allies-fOr, except
the building occupied by the company, little
or nothing has SO far been done for them by
public authority.
When first organized they occupied, with
their one machine. an old building, formerly
blacksmith shop. situated in the yard OF
the Crescent Dry Dock. In 1858, however,
a building was erected for them on the site
OF the one they now occupy. This building &
was burned in 1861. and as the then exist
ing Police Jury had neglected to insure it,
it was dead loss. The present hall was
erected soon after 10y the parish authorities.
The company have now three engines, in
Guiding the one they originally owned. The
last machine they procured was entirely
the result OF their own eXertiOns. 1t Is
known as the wild Cat" and thereby
hangs a tale. Several years ago large
vessel british. We belicve), the Wild Cat.
caught fire, while lying at the right bank of
TIE river, some little distance below Algicrs.
Apparently she was doomed to destruc
tion. for the fire had made great headwav.
and the case seemed, at one time, hopeless.
But Brooklyn to the rescue; at it the boys
went, with more. if possible, than their
usual determination. After three days and
nights hard work relieving each other by
turns, they Overcame the fire and saved the
ship. For this they received a compensa-
ton of. fifteen hundred dollars, and that
money was used for the purchase of their
newest engine, appropriately chrl>tened
wild Cat"
Brooklyn Company numbers at the pres
ent time sixty active members, and tiilrty-
two exempt members. Nearly all the ex-
empt members are men in the prime OF life,
and take an active part at every fire. A
number of the members were tiremen III
New Orleans. Mobile and other cities, long
before the organization Of Brooklyn, so that
the company has the advantage of ex-
perence acquired many years previous to
its existence. The foreman, Mr.. William
Brodtman, is redoubted veteran, having
served long enough to be exempt twice over.
1t is not too much to say of Brooklyn
Company, that after their years of arduous
toll and self-support, they can certainly.
with good grace. ask any assistance from
the city administration.
The following are the present officers OF
the company:
Foreman, William Brodtman; first assist
ant, n. Chestnut; second assistant, j. lat
alain: president. II. Kevelin; secretary, H..
Pujol; treasurer, II. Hoiler
The Jackson, Mississippi, Pilot says:
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