Connecticut western news., 1884-09-03
THE FHREM ANS MUSTER
 GREAT BENNINGTON.

rlngtOn last InurSQay was conPAeCo success in every respect. The weather was delightful with an unclouded sky and bracing air, causing every one to look happy, especially the committee of arrangements who had spent many weary days and nights in trying to bring even the minutest details to per lection. Before o'clock in the morn ing the farmers of the surrounding towns were on the roads, all eager to see the great parade, and between 9 and 10 o'clock there was constant stream ot teams pouring into the village, each loaded to it's utmost capacity, so that by noon it was estimated that 5000 peo- pie were present, while one enthusias- tic individual went so far as to claim that ten thousand people were in town but it is probable the smaller number was nearer the truth. About 10 o'clock a special train from Pittsfeld arrived, bringing the Greylock Hook and Lad der company, $. W. Morton Engine company, George Y. Learned Engine company, Housatonic Hose company, all of Pittsfeld, The Forest Engine com pany, H. B. May company with steam CT, Water Witch Engine company, all of Lee, and the Alert Hose company of Adams.
 Between 10 o'clock and noon, train af- ter train arrived from the south bring ing the companies from that direction. As each company arrived they were met at the depot by a committee from Hope Fire company of Great Burlington and with martial strains of music and the cheers of the innumerable crowd which covered the side walks on both sides of the street, they were escorted down Railroad street under the grand arch, then along Main street to Castle, then around Castle street to the Town Hall park, where on the west and south sides in shape like half square the arches had been erected, and under these arch es the companies were assigned each in its respective position. These arches were covered with running pine gather cd from the surrounding forests, and in- tsrspersed with this pine every three feet was great double sun flower, thus showing that the teachings of Oscar Wilde had not been forgotten even among the grand old hills of Berkshire.
 When all the expected companies had arrived and their chiefs and foremen had been shown to the headquarters provided for them at the Sumner build ing, the engine house or Wright's build ing, council was held at the court room, and all the regulations of the hose race agreed upon. The conditions were that each company should not exceed 20 men, to start on pistol shot, run 60 rods and attach to the hydrant in front of the City store and then while on the run lay 300 feet of hose, put on nozzle and throw water.
 . At the conclusion of these arrange ments and the various companies being assembled at their respective places shortly after noon the Chief Marshall of the day, John A. Brewer, with his aids, Sheriff Wallace W. Langdon and Chas. A. Brewer of Great Harrington, all on horse back, the Sheriff in his official un- form of blue, the others in citizens dress, began the formation of the line for the grand street parade. One after another the companies were called from their arches, beginning with number one and so continuing until all were in line with their bands, drum corps, hose carriages, steamers and hand en zines. In excellent order the march began. At the head of the column rode the Chief Marshal on a noble charger followed by Sheriff Langdon also mounted. Next came six other deputy sherifs of the county of Berkshire 1T single line on foot. all dressed in the official uniform of the sherifs of the county, blue coats and pants with gill buttons, on which is stamped the coal of arms of the commonwealth. On this occasion they wore white gloves while at their side hung those batons which are such terror to evil doers and dis turbers of the peace. These sheriffs were Edward l.. Day of Stockbridge, Charles Cutting, of Lee, John Smith ot Sheffield, E. D. Humphrey of Barring. ton, E. s. Manley of Sandisfeld and Streeter of Adams. Next came the Ger mania band of Pittsield and then came all the companies in the following or der:-Great Burlington Hope Engine and Hose company, Water Witch Hose company, New Milford, Humane Hose company, Danbury, Greylock Hook and Ladder company, Pittsfeld, George Y. Learned Engine company, Pittsfeld, S. W. Morton Engine company, Pittsfeld, Housatonic Engine company, Pittsfeld, Forrest Engine company, Lee, H. B. May company with steamer. Lee, Pio- nser Hook and Ladder company, Nor walk, Deluge Hose company No. 8, <Winsted, Cascade Hose company, Win @sted, Alert Hose company, Adams, New town Hook and Ladder company, New town, Water Witch Engine Go Lee, Arc tic Engine company, Milford, Union Hose company, West Winsted, Hope Hose company, Norwalk, R. NJ. Bassett Hook and Ladder company, Birming-