The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-01-23
WESTMINSTER FIREMEN.
They Elect officers, Enjoy a Banquet and
Hear the Annual Reports.


The Westminster Fire Department, well.
drilled and efficient body of fireman, by whose
prompt action and bravery in time of fire many
thousands of dollars are annually saved to
citizens and insurance companies, held their
annual election of officers on Wednesday
evening, enjoyed their annual banquet, and
heard the reports of their Chief and Secretary
and Treasurer. The attendance was quite
full, and there were few invited guests,
including representatives of the local press.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
The election of officers was without special
interest, there being contests for two places
only. As to the other positions the vote was
unanimous. The ballot resulted in the cleo
ton of o. d. Gilbert President. John f..
Eckenrode First Vice President, Denton S.
Gehr Second Vice President, William H.
Bell, Jr., Secretary and Treasurer, Amos W.
Hahn Assistant Secretary, f. X. Herr Chief
Foreman, j. G. Mobley Assistant Chief Fore
man, Samuel Knight Foreman of Truck,
Fred NJ. Ecllenrode Assistant Foreman OF
Truck, H. X. Schaeffer Foreman of Reels,
Henry Himler Assistant Foreman of Reels,
Joseph d. Brooks Marshal, and Edwin j.
Lawyer Librarian.
THE SUPPER.
hook and ladder and reel room, President
Gilbert led the way to the second story, where
three large tables were spread. About sixty
persons sat down at the tables. and after an
invocation by Mr.. w. l.. W. Seabrook, an
elegant supper was attacked with all the vim
and earnest the Department displays at a con-
Aagration. Turkey, ham, oysters, bread,
butter, pickles and coffee disappeared as rap
idly as the flames before an attack by the
Department, but their work was not as COM
plete, though ably assisted by the press, as
they render upon an occasion ola fire. Bravery
and generosity are two qualities that are hap
PLY united, and on this occasion the latter
preponderated The supply of everything
was in such generous quantities, the Depart
ment had to retire before all was consumed.
REPORT OF THE CHIEF.
After supper business was again taken up
and the annual reports of the Chief and Secre-
tary and Treasurer were made. The Chief
reported that the Department responded to
eight alarms of fire during the year 1891, as
follows: At William Reigle's residence,
Liberty street, February 18th; at +. +. Ship
leys store, East Main street, March 4th; Al
John A. Kretzer's residence, West Main
street, March 10Th; at VIM. C. Benson's gro
Gerry store, East Main street, March %; at
John Geiselman Il Sons furniture factory,
Liberty street, April oath; at Elijah Wagner S
stable, near College avenue, May 18th; al
John w. Nelson's stable, West Main street,
August 1st at Joseph p Algire's residence,
West Main street, November Sth. The Chief
described the heroic efforts of the firemen AT
several of these lires-where bravery was
necessary-and alludes to the refusal OF
several insurance companies 10 contribute to
the support of the Department that saved
them so much, especially during the destruc-
ton OF the Geiselman property, and recon-
mended necessary legislation to allow the city
authorities to impose license tax upon all
insurance companies doing business in West
minister for the benefit of the Fire Department.
REPORT OF SECRETARY AND TREASURER.
The report of the Secretary and Treasurer
showed the finances of the Department are IN
good condition. The total receipts for the
past year, from dues, rents, festival, concert
and interest, amounted to $G74.42, and the
disbursements to 1858. In the latter is IN
cluded deposit in the Westminster Savings
Institution of $3.50. The total assets Of the
Department amount to S4,419.S7, as follows !:
Real estate and improvements S2S99.09, hook
and ladder truck $3.50, cash in bank $3.50. 90,
in hands of the treasurer SPOTS. Liabilities
none.
After business was concluded speech
highly commendatory Of the bravery and
efficiency Of the firemen was made by MIR. ID.
n. Henning, and responded TO by John H..
Mitten on behalf of the Department.