The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1875-07-31
The Picnic OF tine Washington
Fire Department.

According to invitation, Opelousas Fire Co.,
No. |, and Hope Hook and Ladder Co., No. /,
of this town, proceeded to the Washington
bridge, where they formed in procession at l2
O'clock, NJ, headed by the 0peIousas German
Brass Band. The two companies were met at
the entrance of Washington by the Fire De-
partment of that town, and were received
with short address of welcome by DR.. Jas.
G.. Campbell, Grand Marshall of the day, in
behalf of the fremen; after which the Opel
ousas delegation moved forward, headed by
the OpelOusas Brass Band. First came that
venerable organization, Opelousas Fire Co., in
whose ranks were some of the veterans whose
names were inscribed upon its roll more than
quarter of century ago; then followed that
active young organization Of our town, Hope
Hook and Ladder Co.. No. !, with their Truck
tastefully decorated with flowers and ribbons,
and bearing many testimonials of the high APP
probation of their friends, consisting of beau
tiful aud artistically woven wreaths bearing
appropriate legends, presented to them ON for
mer occasions. The procession thus formed
filed through the ranks of the Washington
Fire Department drawn up in open order on
either side of the street, and proceeded
through the principal streets of the town in
the following order: the Opelcusas Brass Band
in the lead, next Opelousas Fire Co., then the
Hope Hook & Ladder Co., with their Truck,
followed by the Washington Brass Band
and the Washington Fire Co, with their beau
tiful little engine literally covered with flow
ers and ribbons, and last but by no manner of
means least Carel Wolff Hook and Ladder
Co., which presented most brilliant appear
ance in their new and elegant uniforms, with
their beautiful Truck, just received from New
York, appropriately decorated for the occa-
sion. This Company, we will remark en- pas
SAINT, presented the best appearance of any in
| the procession, owing to its full attendance
and new uniform and aceoutrements.
After having paradel through the principal
/ streets, the procession halted in front of the
residence of Mr.. Joseph Kaufman, in order to
allow of the presentation of beautiful flag to
Washington Fire Co., No. i, which was done
| by Mrs. F. Kaufman in a neat little speech,
/ which was received with cheers and appro-
priately responded to by Mr.. Keller, in behalf
Of the Fire Co. Enliyened by the stirring
| strains of the two Brass Bands, the pageant
continued its line of march through town to
4 the picnic grounds, which were situated in a
shady grove about a half mile this side of
the bridge, where splendid spring of cool
water proved welcome treat. The attend
ance of citizens ON fairgrounds was reniarka-
bly, large--the ladies forming no Inconsidera-
BILE portion tlereof-the youth aud beauty of
the two towns having apparently gathered
there to complete the success of the fremens
celebration,
Aud it Uds a success. The repast was soon
served, and proved to be more than picnic
dinner for besides the substantials in the
shape of bread beef, mutton and pork. there
was a most bountifnl supply of turkey, fowl,
game, cakes, fruits, &c, with plenty Of lager
and elaret to wash them down.
We were particularly struck with the order
and discipline manifested by our hosts, to
which was mainly due the entire success Of
the entertainments And we should not forget
i to mention the untiring energy of the lady
managers, to whose well directed efforts was
due much Of the pleasure Of the occasion.
After the feast the Bands discoursed sweet
music, and everybody being in lively humor,
speeches were declared in order, and ouI
younG friend Laurent Dnpre Esq. being the
first called to the stand Ia buggy though
taken gnawares, responded to the call withont
hesitation, aud acquitted himself las usual IL
most creditable manner by q very felicitout
address in which he paid high and deserved
compliment to the Firauaen in general aud thu
Washington Fire Department in particular =
of course the ladies coming in for their vel
deserved share Of praise. His address wal
!, duly appreciated US attested by the veciferoul
applause with which It was greeted.
After MI. Dupre had closed, the aasembIagt
) called for several other speakers among whom
were J.. Massie Martin Esq, Senator VIM. A
! Robertson, Hon. M. q. Kavanagh, and severa
others whose names we do not recollect, ,--ai
Z Of whom responded with appropriate address
es. Tie enjuyments of the day Terminates
1 with dancing; and towards o'clock the en-
! tertainmeEft was brought to close BY tn
I guests taking their departure, every bod
being satisfied Of its success beyond thei
I most sanguine expectations
I TO sum up, it was d grand affair, and Wasi
ington may we'll feel proud Of It's Fire Depart
inent, while the Firernen may well congratt
z late themselves on having patriotic an
2 enterprising public to second their efforts an
3 take pride in contributing to their success.
/ lib conclusion, we Of the CoURTER return ou
grateful thanks to the officers of the tw
J. Washington Companies for polite attention.
We publish ON our French page very II
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