The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1881-04-28
The Frremen's Picnic.

Thursday morning, at the hour for
early rising, firemen who had been in
dustriously preparing for appropriately
celebrating the thirteenth anniversary of
the A. -
FIRE DEPARTsfENr,
and the forty-iifth university of the bat
tie of San Jacinto, were out anxiously
watching the clouds and commenting
upon the probabilities for having clear
ing weather. 1t was dim and
murky at the time, and the skies were
leaden and heavy and betokened a wet
day. Under foot was damp and muddy,
and everything indicated dreary time,
Along about 8 o'clock, however, the
clouds began to drift away, and soon the
merry sunshine was out, bathing hilltop
and vale in n perfect sea of wondrous
light, making all nature wear a
bright and gladstone look, and
revived the dropping spirits OF despOnd-
ent pleasure seekers. The scene around
the engine-rooms and truck-houses was
changed as If by magic. The jolly fire.
men donned their uniforms, but the earth
was too thoroughly saturated with water,
TO think for moment Of having the pic
mic at Seider's Springs, aud meeting
was held at Colorado engine-room
and the Fair Grounds selected. Soon
after, wagons loaded down with innum-
cradle and well filed baskets were bur-
rying out, and were speedily followed by
a large number bent on having a good
time. At the -... a.
FAIR GROUNDS 2 -
everything was made as comfortable as
possible by the firemen, who spared no
money or labor TO make all en-
JOY themselves and feel at home.
The building used for displaying stoves
aud tinware was cleared OF rubbish and
dirt, aud soon happy folks, Young and
old, were tripping the light fantastic toe.
men had their stands arranged within.
In this hall, Colorado Engine COMPANY
No. 2, spread o bountifpl and Nele-
CANT repast. In, the hall adjoining,
Washington Engine Company, with
that llbcralIty that has made them ia
nous, set out most sumptuous dinner,
composed of the daintiest yiands and
rarest vintage. The STATESMAN reporter
and the jolly merry Juvenile tiremen were
right royalty were they feasted. Every
thing possible was done by this COMPANY
and indeed by the entire fire depart
ment, TO make the occasion o. happy
one. The Hook and Ladder boys had an
abundance of good cheer on the grounds.
aud with that grace and gallanty peculiar
to them dispensedlt with q lavish hand.
After dinner commissions were present
ed to the firemenby his honor, Mayor
Croker. The foreman of the Juveniles,
on receiving his, made q. neat and appro-
pirate speech. He was the only one to
grace the occasion In this manner.
did not deter the boys from INDUCING in
u few outdoor games. Several foot races
and walking matches were watched with
interest, and contributed no little to the
pleasures of the occasion. In the 100
yard foot race Mr.. John A.. Green, Jr.,
came out ahead and carried of the hon.
ors and the prize. The two-mile
heel and toe walking contest, between
Messrs. S. j. Won Koenneritz G.. Ish-
erwood and Jack O'Brien, was among
the most interesting features of
ahead, but because of alleged
foul walking the prize was awarded to
Mr.. O'Brien. Both gentlemen are good
walkers, and especially does Mr.. KOen-
neritZ move with ease and grace. The
"T. G. BIS" and the "Athletics" played
an exciting game OF baseball, the former
scoring II, and the latter 9-&.f
A number of Austln's -
EXPERT CRACKSMRN
were out and exhibited their skill in
glass ball shooting. The following are
the scores, Leslie Price referee:
ETpST NArCu