The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1885-05-16
+ Firemen's Celebration.
Anniversary Of Ascension Hook and
Ladder and Phoenix Steam Fire
Companies.

l
An Imposing Parade and y Pleasant Din.
| 1t rained heavily on Friday of last week
and as late as Saturday noon it looked rs
If the fremen would be compelled either
to postpone their anniversary parade or
tramp through mud and water. The ele-
ments proved kindly, however, and Sun
days weather was all that could be
desired for an outdoor display. At 4
O'Clock in the afternoon Ascension Hook
and Ladder Company formed its process
sion on the public square and paraded
through Donaldsonville on the principal
streets, curtailing the route of march so
as not to extend back of Conway street In
order to avoid the numerous mud holes
Astounding in the rear portion of the town.
The column was led by Marshals V. Mau-
rim, A. D.. Vega and Mayer Meter, fol-
lowed in the order named by st. Joseph
Brass Band: oolor-bearer and company Of
ficsrs of the Hook and Ladder Co.; officers
and members of the Ascension Rifles; fire
officers and active members Of the Hook
and Ladder Company drawing their hand
some truck "James Teller;" officers and
members of Ascension Babcock Company,
led by marshal Fred. Landry and drawing
the village Babcock apparatus "Vesta."
The truck and Babcock were tastefulIy
decorated and presented very attractive
appearance, while the handsomely uni
formed fremen and soldiers we're the re-
cipients of much complimentary atten-
ton from the crowds Of spectators lining
the streets along the route of the process
sion. The first halt was made opposite the
Mr.. L. E. Bentley, where the
iremen uncovered and the Rifles presented
arms i'll compliment to Mrs. Bentley, who
7iewed the display from a sick bed. An
,ther stop occurred at the store and resi-
lence of Mr.. Jos. Bradford, where liquid |
and cigars were served by
dr. and Mrs. Bradford. The marchers
1ere similarly treated by the marshals at
he Riverside Hotel and by President
lime Of the Hook and Ladder Company at
1e Robt. E. Lee Hotel. Returning to the
ublic square the procession halted oppo.
te the residence of Mr.. and Mrs. David
'rael; the band played n selection and
ice President Bentley made brief con-
address to Mrs. Israel, god
lother of the Ascen sion truck, who re-
bonded by presenting the company with a
bouquet.
no III
look and Ladder Hall, where the Vice
resident of the Hooks was again called to
10 front to thank the marshals, the Rifles,
le Babcocks and the band for their par
cipation in the parade and to invite the
ssembly to partake of cake and beer pro-
ided for their refreshment in the room
ajoining the main hall.
This pleasant duty performed the para
ers again fell in behind the band and pro
eeded to the river to take trip across to
and back on the ferry steamer
ella Israel by invitation Of Capt. Miller.
he City Hotel was visited en- route and
lore refreshments partaken of. After
highly enjoyable ride on the ferryboat,
10 festive party returned to shore and
allied at The Place and Mechanics Ex-
hange to tip glasses with their friends
[essrs. Gustave Israel and Patrick Red
ington; then marching back to the public
luare-not forgetting to give three cheers
or President Kline while passing his resi-
ence-the boys were dismissed to seek
fences of the day.