The People's vindicator. [volume] (Natchitoches, La.) 1874-1883, 1881-09-24
MECHANICS HOOK AND LADDER
Co. No. I. .....
The Banner Presentation.
LINE OF MARCH
uONOkS on TINE ROUTE.
lONOKS on TINE ROUTE.
THE ADDRESSES.
''TNE LIGHT FANTASTIC TOE"

''THE LIGHT FANTASTIC TOE"
On last Wednesday, & somewhat memo
rable anniversary in the annals of Natchi-
toches, late in the afternoon, the streets
Mechanics Hook & Ladder Co., arrayed
in their attractive uniforms. BY o'clock
p. H., the members Of this Company, with
those of Perseverance Fire Engine Co.,
No. |, Us invited guests, assembled at Fire
mems Hall on Second street, preparatory
to proceeding to Lacostc's Hall to attend
banner presentation to Mechanics Hook &
Ladder Company. Headed by the Brass
Band, the two companies proceeded up
Second street, halting in front of Mr.. JnO.
Geuoe's residence to tender compliment
toMissJ Josephine GenOe, one of the recently
elected Honorary members of the Hook &
Ladder Co. Resulning the march they went
up to Pavie, out Pavie to Washington and
down Washington to Front, thence to La
costc Hall. Here the Hook & Ladder Co.,
formed in open ranks facing each other,
and saluted the members of Perseverance
Fire Co., as they preceded them into La
cOstc Hall.
The Hall was brilliantly Illuminated
and densely crowded with a large con-
course of citizens from this place and the
surrounding country. .......
On q neatly carpeted platform at the
upper end of the Hall, stood Miss DUGG1E
NJ. PIPES, the young lady selected by the
Fire Association to make the presentation,
holding the banner, supported on each
side by the little Misses May Pierson, Mat
tie Walmsley, Bertha Kahn and Marie
Gouaux holding four streamers attached
to the staff. The banner is constructed of
heavy, rich satin, on one side of which,
worked in blue shaded silk thread, are the
words, "MECHANICs Hook H. LADDER
COMPANY" surrounding the insignia of
the Company, crossed hook and ladder
surlnounted by the figure l. On the re-
verse side is a wreath around the figures
lsal." The banner is heavily trimmed
with gold lace and tassels, the whole q
most tasty, costly and beautiful banneret,
The Company was formed in front of the
platform when LIST Assistant Foreman +.
p. Raggio and Secretary w. H. Tunnarl
escorted Vice President Z. +. GALLON to
the presence of the fair oratress, to receive
the banner.
MISS DUGGIE PIPES ADDRESS,
Gentlemen Of the Hook 8: Ladder Company:
"On the part of the ladies ofNatchitoch-
cs, l come to present this Banner. The
presentation of emblcms, suited to time
and occasions has grown into custom with
all civilized people, the emblem being
intended to portray mission and to
betOken regard and confidence.
In the late unhappy war, whenever and
wherever our fathers and brothers gathered
together, to 90 forth to battle, it was es-
teemed a proper and almost necessary
thing that each Company should bear with
them q banner wrought by woman's hands
and blessed with wonan's prayers. Some
OF you, no doubt, remember such q banner
that ever gladdcnod you in the camps,
or Oh the march, and around which ling
cred Il halo of love and Of home. Though
now gone forever, it is still dear to your
recOllections, and it should be.
But peace hath her trinmphs rs well rs
war, victories greater and nObler in the
same degree, as love and brotherhood are
better than hate and blOodshed. The
/ warrior fights for glory, but he and he
alone is the true hero, who, without hope
of honor or reward, stands ready to give
his labor or his life for the good Of his tel
low men. Such is the sclf-sacrifce Fire
men assume, either through sense Of du-
ty or love Of their fellow citizens.
Gentlemen, we ask you to receive our
banner as mark Of our regard and APP
probation Of your mission, and not only
that, but AZ token of confidence in your
courage and devotion"
vICE-PRESIDENT z. T. GALLONS REPLY.
In receiving this banner from your
hands, fair ladies, representing as you do
an organization, which like our own has
sprung from the ashes Of the fiery baptism
which visited our city OH April 10Th 1881.
/ l feel that more words are made
quate toexpress thesentiments entertained
bymy comrades and myself at this token
Of your friendship, esteem and confidence
| in our organization.
/ The ladies Of our city are prOvefbial for
| their fidelity, heroism and courage in
every cause which the men espOuse. Be it
!, the trying or. cal Of retl-hanled war, the
dtspotism ofpolitical persecution or the
| visitation Of some overwhelming calamity,
they have always exhibited an energy, ac-
tivity and perseverance worthy Of all en-
nlation. This alone should intuse q new
spirit in every manly breast in this COM
munity. s 3tiis.s
i In behalf of the company l accept this
banner, beautiful in design and execution,
conceived in loveliless by women's pro-
liiic minds, fashioned in its delicate pro-
J portions by women's fair fingers. TO US it
will always be the emblem Of your CONT
dence, trust and hope in our organization,
which battles against the dread tire-fiend
which comes Ikea thief in thenights silent
watches. When it Occursth that We are hat
Ting in behalf Of the fair ladies and the
innocent and helpless children ofour lit
tie city, this gift shall ever nerve us with
renewed strength to carry out the motto
of our adoption "Ready to Save"
In trusting this Banner to our gallant
standard Bearer Ike assured, kind friends,
that it Willie conscientiously guarded
in all its purity and beauty, at emblem
Of the fair ladies who have fashioned it
aud now give it unto our keeping. Once
, more in behalf 1.-THE company represent,
thank yon for this beautiful token of
| your confidence in and friendship for those
who will always prove themselves t'Ready