Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1881-06-22
1856-188l.
THE EMPIRES TWENTY-FIFTH BIRTH-
DAY.


How 1t was Celebrated Last Night.
Last evening the Empire hook and lad
der company celebrated their twenty fifth
birthday. Yesterday afternoon the COM
| pany's truck house was decorated with
flags, bunting, sc. Chinese lanterns were
displayed at every window. They
were lighted up as soon as it
was dark, and the house pre-
sented a handsome appearance in the
evening The Friendship fire company,
whose quarters are Immediately opposite
those Of the Empire, honored their neigh.
bors by trimming their house with flags
from top to bottom. They also lighted up
at night and the building looked very
pretty. About 9 o'clock in the even
ing the members of the Empire
had assembled at the truck house. Clcm-
mens's City band soon put in appearance,
and headed by that excellent musical Or
ganization the company, together with
Chief Engineer Arnold, started on their
walk around, with Frank r. Howell as
chief marshal They first serenaded the
Friendship fire company, after which they
marched to the residences Of the following
old members Of the company, who were
serenaded Henry Shubert, DR.. w. N.
Amer, Major Charles NJ. Howell, Chris
tian Widmycr, DR.. II. 3. Parry, Col. W.,
l.. PEPPER and Henry Cast.
Major Howell is the president Of the
company and he has occupied the chair
since the date of it's organization. He
made short speech after he was sere-
nadcd. He thanked the company for the
serenadc and complimented them upon
their flourishing condition. Col. PEPPER
made a few remarks, thanking the COM
pany. After all of the parties down town
had been serenadcd the company pro-
cecded to the residence of Henry
Cast, on Manor street. The band
played several pieces. after which
the company were invited into the house,
where an excellent supper awaited them.
The table was spread in large room in
the back part of the house and it was soon
filled by the members of the company,
whose appetites had been sharpened by
their walk. The table was filled with good
to ALL While at the table A. 5. Edwards,
speech thanking Mr.. Cast, who is one of
oldest members of the Empire, for his
generous hospitality. After the supper
the band played several new pieces and
the line of march was again taken up.
They proceeded to the saloon of John A.
Snyder, on North Queen street, where
refreshments were partaken of, after
which the members left for their homes.
The Empire is the only hook and ladder
company in this city. 1t was organized in
1856, ard now has large list of members.
A great many Of the prominent citizens of
the town belong to the company. Several
years ago large number Of young men
joined the company, and it now has
about 20 members on it's active roll. The
company has one of the finest houses in
the city. Their apparatus is all in excel
lent condition and the members and their
friends have reason to be proud of their
organization. The Empire is always
promptly on hand at fire. This was
shown last night. While they were march
ing through the streets an alarm
of fire was sounded. About a dozen men
were sent to the truck house by the chief
marshal. They ran to the fire, taking with
them their apparatus and afterwards re-
turned and took part in the festivities of
the evening with their fellow members.
The Empires celebration was a grand
success in every way and the company has
the best wishes of the company for future
success.