The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-10-04
THE BIG PARADE.
Thousands OF Firenen Arc Augmented
by Thousands Of Spectators.


Reading, Pa. Oct 3.-Today marked
an epoch in the history of the twelve
fire companies of this city that will be
remembered as the greatest demon
stration and the largest assemblage
of fire fighters ever held In this state.
I: was the climax for which months
have been spent In preparation. and
its success very properly Is matter
of pride to the local members. All roads
seemed to lead to Reading this MORN
ing, for from every direction came
crowds of sght-seers. The thousands
of firemen We're augmented by thou
sands of other visitors from every por-
tion of Berks and adjoining counties.
and these added to the thousands of
our own people made a thrOng that al
most choked Penn and adjoining
streets 1t was a good-natured multi
tude, and. Notwithstanding the rufTled
clothes and elbowed ribs. very few dis
turbances occurred. Ample provision
had been made for emergencies. and
the police regulations were such that
any disorder that might occur would
be speedily suppressed.
With over a hundred bands in the
city, there was an incessant flow Of
music that at times approached some
thing Of a din, and furnished a medley
that in itself was something worth
hearing. After they were once formed
into line the music took on a more har-
monious and pleasing character.
At noon today 1t was estimated from
figures that the city contained $4,000
strangers. bent on viewing the parade.
The parade moved promptly at 13O
O'Clock and enthusiasm reigned all
along the line and the scores of bands
added to the enthusiasm. Every COM
pany was In dress parade and the thou
sands who lined the sidewalks We're not
slow in showing their appreciation of
the fine marching of the handsomely
equipped companies.
Position Of the Nav Ang's.
The Nay Aug company, Of Scranton,
with forty men. Occupied position in
the fifth division, and made a fine
showing.
The Liberty. of Reading. scored big
hit with their special features. Master
Howard Rhoda, son of Select Council
man Rhoda, carried the flag of the divi-
sion. attired in the full company uni
form. and seated in cart drawn by a
pony. Seated on the handsome hose
wagon sat little Mamie. daughter Of
Brooke Harrison, representing the god
dess of liberty. She received much
homage along the entire line.
The Veteran Firemen's association,
of Philadelphia. noble looking old men,
were the cynosure of all eyes as they
bravely marched along. The associa.
ton is one of the oldest in the state.
The Veteran Volunteer association
OF Baltimore. numbered forty-fve
splendid looking Old fellows, in COM
mand of the president Charles F.
Holloway, We're attired in drab suits
| red shirts and blue helmets. They had
with them their double-dscker hand en-
gine, Fairy" built for them in 1S45. in
| philadelphia, at a cost of $1,000. A
banner, by feet. had inscribed the
Washington monument On one side
with the associations name. The Lord
Baltimore flag and United States flag
were also carried. A four wheeled hose
carriage. silver mounted, was pur.
chased by them from the Southwark
Fire company, Of Philadelphia back
in the flftles. president Charles r
Holloway Is 81 years of age, and has
been in the fire service forty-fve years
and held the position of chief Of the de-
partment and fire inspector. The old.
est man In the organization Is 76 year:
Of age. and the average age Is 55 years
The Weiner hose. of Kingston, N. Y
marshaled by Charles Stub. made q
handsome showing in their light fawr
equipments. Frank Eisenberg, theiv
giant. stands 6 feet and inches in his
stocking feet. BY his side was the mas
cot of the company, "Dimmy Mite" G
diminutlve coon, black as the ace ot
spades. and attired In white duck with
white hat The parade hose wagon ol
the Wetner was one of the finest II
line. costing $1,000.
Nearly dozen banquets are beina
halls In This city tonight In honor OF
the Visiting firemen. The prizes to b.
awarded to the best drilled, fines
equipped and neatest hooking com
panies IN vhe parade. will be announced
tomorrow.