The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-06-28
FIREMEN AND THE 4TH.
A FEATURE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
IN THIS CITY.
Old Volunteer Firemen and the Present
Department to Have Reunion,
Parade, Contest. q Banquet and
Recounting of "Reminiscences.

The Fourth OF July-or, in conventional
terms the glorious Fourth-will be great
day for the regular and old volunteer fire.
men Of the city.
1t is not designed to have a celebration
Of American independence, with spread
eagle oratory and fireworks, but reunion
and dinner.
The approaching event was announced
by The APPEAL several weeks ago, to-
gether with an outline Of the program.
Since then, however, as result OF delib-
erations by an Intelligent committee.
whose chairman is ex.Chiei James L.
Cleary, now inspector for the local Board
Of Underwriters, the plan has been
enlarged and elaborated. This became
necessary to accommodate the widespread
interest in the event manifested by out.
siders. The original program was shaped
to round up sharp but friendly contest
between the old volunteer fire forces, with
their one hand engine and hose carriage,
and the present department, under Chief
James V. Ryan. Inspector Clearly, though
devoted friend and stanch supporter OF
the present department. yet felt a strong
conviction that the old volunteer depart
ment was some pumpkins itself, and could
stand up against the new tangled success
sor. The challenge was accordingly given,
and accepted. Many OF the volunteez
had removed to distant fields, some gol1d
as far away as Texas, In this country, and
one TO Scotland. They saw THE APPEAL's
announcement, and filed application at
once TO be signed with their early love-
They are all waiting for the formal invita-
tions, which will be sent out today.
The program, In fine, and without at
tempt at elaboration on many incidental
features which will add relish, is this.
Headed by Arnold's full band, process
sion will move at 1890 o'clock am, prob
ably from Adams street north along Second
to Concord, thence TO Main, and over the
principal streets Of the city, pulling up
finally at the corner OF Main and Monroe
streets. There three streams OF water
will DO thrown at one time from the
hand.enginc, which has been handsomely
repaired and finished. This may
be followed by display from
the engines now in use, In the event those
in charge OF them are not frightened out
Of the contest by the pegs set for them.
From this point the procession will move
out Monroe street TO the bluff, where q
sumptuous spread will be enjoyed by the
firemen, old and new, and such guests rs
may be invited, the repast to be partaken
OF under n monster canvas shelter. Judge
Addison II. Louglass will be the orator q
the day, and carry his auditors back 10 tho
DAYS when the whole OF Memphis would
have stood by It's gallant volunteer fire de-
| Il
10 facilitate the Judge in its preparation,
Inspector Cleary, who has preserved, from
those days TO the present time. newspaper
clippings bearing upon the department.
These scraps OF paper contain history
that will cause the souls OF the volunteers
10 leap with Joy aud pride. One feature
| Of II Is visit from the Charleston, s. c..
, Fire Department. who celebrated their
coming by throwing q stream Of briny
water from the Atlantic into the Missis.
sippi River The local department later
3 returned the compliment, made trip "a
: Savannah and Charleston, carried a tank
: OF Mississippi River water with II and
. turned IL into the salt sea waves. All Obi.
I, occurred away back In the SOS, when Mr.
: A. b. Jewell was chief. These incident.
|, and many others will be woven into the
!, brilliant address Judge Danglass Is ex
pectcd TO make on the occasion.
The volunteers are now on the shady
4 side OF life. and though hale and hearty
for their years, will not be permitted e
draw the hand engine and is hose CARR
age. For this purpose North Memphis
has organized brigade OF young men
= eighty strong. and South Memphis on,
seventh strong. The entire number par
ticipating In the affair will be about 300
n and seats at the dinner table will be FOL
D.n