Wilmington daily gazette., 1873-06-07
nadloatlon
OF THE NEW FAME HOSE KEoTNK HoUsK-A sUc-
cEssFUL AFFAIR AND BRILLIANT ASSEMBLAoE
AN ExoELLKET RANouET AND A GRAND

Il 1
house. last evening, in honor Of the completion of
heir magnificent new structure, and in announce
mant Of the beginning Of the ceremonies OF dica-
ton GraSefuuy the large hag Suspended across
The street waved its beautiful lolds as II IN re-
pponse to the animated crowd whsch filed th Q
street below, and whose eager, pleasure-llghted
betokened the occurrence OF some
unusual event
Aud an unusual event it most certainly was
D0dcattons of buildings Are common occurrences
in this community, but the dedication of an engine
house is an occasion we are seldom called upon TO
chronicle. The ceremonies, too, were somewhat
different from the ceremonies at tho dedication OF
churches aud other public buildings. No SGT form
or programme mas placed before the assembled |
company, but all present were received with |
hremanS generous welcome, and cordially invited |
to the bOuntful feast which had been SO carefully
prepared.
between eight and nine o'clock the invited |
guests began TO assemble in the large third story
hall, where the City Cornet Band dispensed en- |
trancing music, TO while away the tedious hours OF
waiting. AmoRg those present were His Honor,
Mayor Sinlms, the members os the City Council,
John G. Patterson, Esq the fist President of the
Company. James e. Akin, Esq, who has been
Treasurer OF the Company ever since its organiza-
ton, and many OF the older members. There were
also present representatives, from the Baltimore
and PriladeIphia Fire Departments Mr., Durant,
Fire Department editor of the Philadelphia San
day Mercury, representatives OF the city papers,
number of ladies, members o! thu Company and
their friends to the number OF about two hundred
and fifty.
The ladies were assembled 10 the beautiful par
or which is on the second hoor front. The furni-
tWre of the parlor is entirely new. The carpet is
beautiful Brussels, the furniture is of black wa
nut, upholstered in black hair cloth, and consists
of sofas, chairs and msrbe-top centre tables Rich
lace curtains are gracefully festooued from the
large windows, while beautiful pictures suspend
ed from the walls, complete the adornment, and
render the parlor one OF the most beautiful in the
whole city.
Shortly after nine o'clock, the guests were es-
corted 10 the supper, which was prepared in the
main room on the FIRST floor. Three long tables
had been spread the entire length of the room,
which were fairly loaded with glitterinG glass and
stoneWare, filed with all the daintes and edibles
that the taste OF the epicure could desire. Beau
| tifuI bequets were distributed here and there,
which combined with the excellent arrangement Of
the viands, formed beautiful and attractive scene
and reflected much credit upon the chief caterer,
VIM. Miller, who fairly surpassed himself in his
sndeavOrs to prepare feast worthy of the occa-
sion
/ After ali hands had been seated Rev. Fielder
Israel, who presided at the centre table, delivered
a short and impressive prayer, after which a Wig
orous onslaught on the Viands vas commenced
| The table to the right of the reom was presided
over by John C. Patterson, with Mayor Simms on
his right, while James Z. Akin presided over the
table on the left. With shaTpened appetites, the
guests emptisd dish after dish, which were prompt
ly filled By attentive walters The feast was huge
ly enjoyed by ali PRESENT. Savory hams and huge
Foasts steadily melted away before the attack OF
the carvers knife, while piles of lucious strawber
ries, covered with delicious cream, disappeared
if by magic. All were loud in their praises and
Mllers face fairly shons with pleasure as he sAw
how his efforts were appreciated.
After all had eaten 10 their entire satisfaction
the President of the Company, john V. Chi isty
arose and announced that JOhn c. Patterson, Esq
would address the company and preside as char
man.
vi n. rattau.,, l., . h.;aF ,v,oo,h voeo-.,5 - III;
long connection with the Company, and lis de
light at the evidence of ITS prosperity. He SAID
that at the organization of the Company, he neve
expected to see this Gay. Then their house con
sisted of deapidated old oue-story she'd close Il
their present size, into which they slowed the
hose carriage with feelings OF pride and satlsfac
! tion. In about six mouths they procured money
enough to plTehsse lot On the opposite side o
Z the street, Rhlon they erected the house from
$ which they have Just removed, and which wa
, then regarded az q very creditable structure. Id
Il congratulated the members on their gentlemanl
character and habits, and proudly referred to tn
o record which the Company has ever maintained
n in this respect. They held a high position in th
4 community, and always preformed their duty, a
e firemen aud as citizens, with honor and credit
d He hoped that their useful career would not EN-
a here, but that they would continue to pursue tn
path they have SO proudly entered, and that thei
le past character shall only be q guerdon and
" pledge to what their future shall be-cntarnishe
& and clear to the end Of time.
70 At the conclusion of his remarks Mr.. PatteTso
,e called upon Rev. Fielder Israel who dispense
20 some good, wholesome advice in an agreeabl
st manner, and conplimented those present upo
the tone Of marked improvement motto eabl
among the hremen OF our city.
he said that the completion Of such a beautifT
engine house was Il remarkable occasion, one this
should be commemorated in the minds Of our per
pies; to ecure this end he would put into the anna
IA of the Historical Society the State record of
70 occasion, and history OF the rise and progress
the Company.
I'd John O'Byrne, Esq. was next called upon, an
70 JudiciOusly mixed numerous sallies of wit wit
We some remarks about the ancient system of e.
tinguishing Ares and some good advice in rell
ne ton TO the duties of hremen as ctizsns and prS
2e moters of good government.
Mayor Simms was then introduced and brief
n comphmented the Company upon the completio
OF this beautiful structure. For the past decac
N the Fire Department has kept pace with the city
OF progress, and by its promptness and efficiency hi
materially assisted the city's growth, by giving
strangers the assurance that property is here caI
DE fully protected from fire, and thus inducing the
to settle among us. He said that the Fire ID
es aitment OF Wilmington would compare favor
bly, with any other Fire Department in t!
Joshua Maris, Esq, President of the Gil
on COuncll, then made few remarks Oh behalf
that body. He said that the occasion was one
on extraordinary merit and one Of which they mig
Justly be proud. The new honse compared faVO
or ably with our other public buildings, and was {
ornament to the neighborhood. He paid 9 10
ei tribute 10 the efficiency and importance OF o
Fire department, and the readiness with whit
d. the members always performed their duty.
Mr.. Patterson then returned tho thanks OF Il
Company TO those present, for their attendanc
or after which an adjournment was made to II
k upper rooms.
N The tables were then quickly cleared away and
ID short time the aOor was alled by merry crow
d. OF dancers, who Whirled around to Ritehl.