Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1873-11-07

INDEPENDENCE, Nov. 9th, 1873.

passenger train on Friday Of last
week we paid long-contemplated
visit to our sister town of Manches.
ter. Arriving in that city we piled
ourself, bag and baggage, into the
only bus that was in attendance at
the depot, and in short time were
registered at the Clarence House.
Although the landlord and clerk of
the "Clarence" are both obliging
and accommodating gentlemen, and
the compus and exterior of the build
ing is presentable, we must say that
the "grub" spread before its guests
was far inferior to what we expect
ed, and would compare very poorly
with that of the hotels of Indepen-
dencc. This is owing largely, per-
haps, to the fact that the hotel bust
ness in Manchester is rather Of a
monopoly-the "Clarence'' being
the only hotel in the place that is
passable. However, we understood
that Messrs. Toogood & Bethel con-
template building commodious
brick in the spring, fit it up in good
style, and make it second to none
i'm the State. The citizens of Man
| chester are well aware that their
hotel accommodations are poor, and
are consequently much elated over
the prospects of having q first-class
house. Speaking of hotels with
Chicago 'bummer," he said that it
had been his misfortune on several
occasions to arrive in Manchester
SO late on Saturday that he did not
have time to attend to his business
on that day, but, instead Of stopping
over Sunday there, would go to
independence, returning on the fol-
lowing Monday to finish the bust
ness commenced on Saturday. But,
Mr.. Editor, do not for a moment
think that because we were not IA
vorably impressed with this part of
Munchester's business that we were
laggard in noting her business
houses, blocks, and private resi-
dences, and in approaching the en-
terprisc of her business men.
1t being too late to "see the
sights" on that evening, and as the
fire department were to give Il par
ty, and being tiremen ourself were
naturally interested, we, ably es-
corted by Nell. Warner and John
Stillwcll, made our way to the
scene of action. At the entrance
we met, and were introduced to the
polite Fire Marshal, Doc. Bradley,
and numerous other firemen whose
names we do not remember. 1t is
needless to say that we soon felt at
home. Judging from the dimen-
sions Of the building it which they
were congregated we concluded
that the tircmen had made calcula-
tons for accommodating a multi
tude. 1t was in the large building
| recently erected for starch facto-
ry. On the first floor were spread
tables actually groaning with deli
cious edibles, while the second floor
was DEVOTED to the use of the eight
fantastic toe trippers." About nine
o'clock-the ministers, deacons, and
those who did not care to join in
the festivities Of the dance, having
satisfied the wants of the sinner
man" and repaired to their homes
the famous Manchester Band struck
up lively tune, and the dance was
inaugurated. The tlremen were
distinguished from the common
people" by being costumed in red
shirts. There were two companies,
both recently organized, and as this
was their first appearance in uni
form they Of course felt very proud.
From the many compliments be-
slowed upon them in the course of
the evening, we should judge that
the citizens, too, felt proud Of their
firemen. And they had reason to,
for more gentlemanly and finer
looking set of "boys" we have never
seen. The city council recently
made an appropriation of two hun
dreo dollars for the use Of the fire.
men. This, together with the net
receipts of the festival, they calcu-
late will pay for the uniforms. etc.
One company has the hook and lad
der trucks, and the other has 4 Bah
cock engine; we did not learn the
kind, but think it is a double-reser-
voir force pump. Tie 'tire boys"
at Manchester are anxious to be-
come acquainted with our "boys,"
and we hope to see the companies
of both cities together ere many a
month has passed. They would
certainly both be benefited by 4
meeting.
On the following morning we
looked about for guide to pilot
us around the city, We found one
in the person of that interchangeable
editor of the Delhi Monitor, Joe.
Swinburne. We will not the your
readers nor consume your space,
Mr.. Editor, by giving descriptions
nor by making mention of all the
"sights' we beheld. BY invitation
of Mr.. w. H. Greenwood we visited
his studio, and were shown some
very fine specimens of portrait
painting, Of his own production
He also has several cases of stuffed
specimens Of the feathered tribe.
We were both surprised and pleased
at the taste and skill exhibited by
| A.. G.oo.,.-..oI a,ll1,l fh.,