The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-08-03
YEARS OLD.
Celebration In Matters Hall 10 Honor of
the Birthday Of P. J. hick y, Chief
Engineer Of Fire Department.

Chief Engineer p. ]. Hickey of the
Scranton fire department has reason to
be proud of the reception rendered to
him Saturday night at Matters hall.
Alder street, South Side, in honor of the
thirty-tirst anniversary of his birthday.
From 3 o'clock until midnight he was
the center of congratulations and well
wishes from personal friends. members
of the department, city officials and
councilmen. The hall contained as
many persons as could conveniently
crowd into it.
Above the stage in the center of the
proscenium arch was hung an enlarged
crayon portrait of the chief, above it
the words. our Chief" and beneath it
the word, "Welcome." Throughout the
hall flags and bunting were arranged.
Tables of eatables and delicacics along
the wall, contained everything in that
line to satisfy the most epicurean, and
in the rear OF the hall liquid refresh
ments We're enjoyed.
The RinggOld band and the Scranton
Saengerrunde respectively furnished in
strumental and vocal music after which
the guests were called to order by
Councilman Edwin Frable. of the COM
mittee on reception. He announced
Attorney NJ. A. Mckinley to speak. Mr..
Mckinley came forward and was greet
cd with applause. lie read two letters
of regret; one was from Chief En-
gineer Stagg Of the fire department of
Paterson, N. j., and the other from
Hon. Alex. II. Connell. The latter paid
a tribute to Chief Hickey, in which he
said that only few years ago they
worked side by side in the South Steel
mill; today Mr.. Hickey is chief Of a
fire department of one Of the most pro-
gressive cities of the United States. a
position to which he attained by his own
energy and perseverance.
ATTORNEY McGINLEY'S ADDRESS.
Mr.. Mckinley made an eloquent
speech, complimenting the qualities
that have won for Chief Hickey the
honorable position he now holds. and he
said that it is not right to wait until
u man dies to give him credit for what
he has done. In token of the esteem
in which the chief is held by his nu-
merous friends, they had deemed it
meet, he said, on the occasion being
pet; and he hoped that when Gabriel
blows his trumpet on the last day Chief
Hickey will be present with his trumpet
to help them fight the fires in the next
world.
In responding to the presentation
speech Chief Hickey made a speech.
saying that from sunrise to sunset he
is at the service of the public and it is
his aim to give the best possible SER
vice that can be given. The board of
engineers and the men of the depart
ment are to be given their proper share
of credit for cooperating. He will
strive to merit the trust reposed in him
to the best of his ability.
The trumpet is a handsome present.
1t is of solid silver with gold lining in
the bell, is about eighteen inches high
and cost $35. On one side the chiefs
monogram is engraved in large letters.
above it are the words "Our Chief
and underneath, IS. F. D." Lower
down on the same side are the names
of the committee. S. s. Spruks. Edwin
Frable, Louis Schwass, and A. l.. Der
~. On the reverse side Is an engraving
Of a hook and ladder truck. a blue
silk cord with tassels is attached SO
that the trumpet may be carried on
the forearm.
MORE SPEECH MAKING.
Later on in the night speeches We're
made by Attorney Nathan Vidaver.
Hon. c. P. O'Malley, Hon. NJ. L. Nc
Donald. Colonel F. ]. Fitzsimmons and
City Engineer Joseph p. Phillips. From
out of town were present Chief Eltrich,
of the Pittston fire department.; Robert
Williams, chairman of the fire depart
ment committee Of Wilkes-Barre
councils, and George A. st. John, as
sistant chief of Wilkes Barre.
Butcher Joseph p. Kramar. of the
Nineteenth ward, presented to Chief
Hickey a roast pig, seven weeks old.
Weighing so pounds. and cooked and
garnished in the most delectable style.
1t was eaten with a relish by the guests.
At midnight all hands sang when we
ran with the old machine" and fare
wells were said.