Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-10-16
Gardner Local News.

Inc fifteenth of October, which has been
looked upon by the firemen of this civ with
considerable interest, has passed, and with it
an occasion of which the like has not been
witnessed in this city for several years-a
hremen's parade. The day opened very
iavorably for the affair and continued so for
nearly the whole day, except a few light
CLOUDS IN the afternoon which, however, rem
aered little protection while marching.
Before noon all the companies from abroad
VINO were to participate in the parade had
arrived The company from Portland. how
ever, dld not put in their appearance 1t was
gaia day for the citizens who thronged the
streets IN great numbers. A considerable
NUMBER also came down from Hallowell and
augusta The neighboring towns and rural
districts more than furnished their quota and
gaping countrymen were seen on every side
At t" o O'Clock came the signal for a grand
rush, and the sidewalks were densely
crowded in front of the Post Office and along
the streets in the vicinity of the place where
the procession was formed. In about a quar-
ter OF an hour the procession was formed and
soon started up the street
The marshal of the day was Mr.. Frank
ANNoSSh vi lltslOU MtssTs. JcOryc Har-
rIngton and Almond Lewis were assistants.
FIRST in the procession came Chief Engineer
Hooker and his assistants Messrs George
Cross and George Gardiner Then came the
Gardiner Band, looking first rate with their
FURNISHED horns and neat uniforms. Next
the Continental Hook and Ladder Company
looking splendlGly in their peculiar uniforms,
winch have always been praised. Then in
the following order came the remaining
companies:
The Hallowell Band, dscoursing fine music:
the Hallowell steamer and its company: the
Alert hose carriage and company of Gar
diner; the Fire King from South Gardiner;
and lastly came the Gardiner steamer Cob
bossee and her company. The procession
passed up Water street, thence up Bridge
and High streets, down Winter street and
through Water street again, up Vine School
and Brunswick streets Crossing overt to Wash
ington street they proceeded down Brunswick
hill and thence to the Causewav near the
depot square, where the trial of the engines
was to take place. After short, time the
Augusta engine Atlantic was the first to
show her powers. The pressure of steam in
each was limited to one hundred pounds.
| The water was forced through 200 feet of
hose and around a short corner The
Atlantic proved herself to be firstc class
engine. throwing stream 80 feet Some
were of the opinion that DIR. Hill when he
made her, gave the right dose of pills. The
Hallowell engine throwed about Us or $50
feet. The distance was short it was not
measured. Some little defect in the suction,
or rather the sucking up of saw-dust.
hindered her from showing her real powers.
The Cobbossee came last and showed her
best at that pressure to be 2ll feet and 10
inches There were no prizes and the honor
of showing the best squirting was conceded
to the Atlantic. The engines ceased throw
ing at about six o'clock, and then the COM
panies proceeded to the collation. room, where
bountful repast awaited them Ample
justice was done to this by the "boys.' tired
from marching or working the engines.
After supper the concert and ball came off,
and at late hour the companies separated
and babe their friends cordial goodbye. 1t
is needless to say that the affair was COM
plete success, and resulted much to the salts
faction of all concerned. Gardiner has sell
dom seen a time which was enjoyed better
The failure of their engine to beat the
Atlantic of course took them down little;
but what of that!