Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-02-23

/ proFri8te manner. Mr.. c. II. Zim-
norman. the caterer for the occasion,
mad spread gorgeous and attractive
table The hall had been artistically
decorated with flags, festoons, varie-
gated lights, ferns, &c, and in the east
ern portion of the room four arches bad
been erected to the Alexandria fire
companies. Standing under each arch
was the representative in effigy of these
organizations Behind these arches
beautiful white ferns had been placed
with colored lights so arranged to pro-
ducc a brilliant effect. A crayon por-
trait of the late George n. Dufiey was
suspended in the centre Of the arches
From six o'clock until the banquet be-
gan the room was thronged with visit.
ors, about half of whom were ladies,
who were courteously received by
Messrs. Herbert Knight, Frank Petit
and other members of the company.
About fifty took seats at the banquet,
which was presided over by President
w. a. Smoot. After some time had
been spent in discussing the bountiful
repast appropriate speeches were made
by President Smoot, Chief Engineer J..
C. Creighton, and Messrs R. NJ.
Latham, r. t. Cook, Louis Brill,
Thomas Leadbeater, VIM. Carne, .ir.,
Jas. W. Shinn, Edward Hughes, c. w.
Dufiey, A. r. Ramsay, J. H. Strider and
others. Letters were read from promi-
nent citizens regretting their inability
10 be present on the occasion. The
company later adjourned after having
spent an evening highly enjoyable TO
every one present and long to be re-
membered. During the evening Mr..
\. II. Naramore photographed the
room, with members seated at the table.
The third happy gathering was that
of the historic and venerable Hydrau
lion Fire Company, which was equal in
every respect to those previously de-
scribed. The spacious banquet hall Of
the Opera House restaurant had been
beautifully and deliberately decorated
by Mr.. i.onis Brill, the caterer for the
occasion, who had prepared tempting
bill Of fare aud seats for about 30 per-
sons. Firemen's emblems, historical
horns and hat, produced by Mr.. Levi
Hurdle, with 1927 painted on it, were
among the objects of curiosity dis
played, while the room was aglow with
colored lights and other dazzling effects
Mcssrs. Chris. Gill. VIM. H. Bontz and
others. who labored diligently in ar
ranging everything connected with the
occasion, proved equal to their task and
added no little toward making the affair
Il decided success. and one which will
remain green for years in the hearts of
every one present The company and
their invited guests assembled at the
engine house and marched in Il body,
under escort Of the Drum Corps, to the
Opera House restaurant, where the
company was presided over by Mr..
T. n. Hill and the following menu pre-
scented Lynnhaven Bay oysters on half
shell and fried, roast beef corned beef,
turkey, ham, chicken, tongue, chicken
and potato salad, Worcestershire sauce,
Spanish olives, celery, cold slaw, chow
chow, mixed pickles, oranges, bananas,
apples, malaga grapes, tea, coffee, Whis-
Ky punch, yard wide and German dis
turbance. Speeches were made by
Messrs. i. NJ. Hill. 3. B. Smith, J.
Chris. Gill, c. W. Petty, VIM. Tatsa
paugh, Con. Cummings, John |. Proc
tor, Chas. Neale, d. w. Whiting and
Others During the evening Mr. w. a.
Smoot, president of the Columbia, en-
tered the hall and extended an invita-
ton to the Hydraulion, which was ac-
cepted with vote of thanks. and a
committee visited the banquet hall OF
the Columbia. After the banquet the
members Of the Hydraulion attended
the Drum Corps entertainment in Il
body.