Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1897-07-29

luo Nuboi WibIh II ilo W. . SpulT
bination chemical engine and hose
wagon. waa duly installed last Thurs
day evening in its new bome the COM
paDy's well-equipped engine house, on
Gilpin avenue between Scott and LIN.
coin streets. The event was attended
with a formality and ceremony that
would have done credit to the corona
tion of king.
The Water Witch members certainly
knew what they were about when they
extended the invitation to the Fame
company, for in no other hands could
the affair have been better taken care
OF. Tho two companies formed a com
bination admirably fitted for the occa-
sion and the honors were about evenly
divided and well merited by both.
The parade was a magnificent affair.
and it was highly appreciated, fact
which was attested by the thousands
of people who thronged the streets and
filed the windows OF buildings along
the route.
On account of the delay occasioned
by the meeting of CITY Council. the
clocks showed 10 minutes of 9 O'Clock
when the procession started. 1t was
composed of the members of the Fame
and Water Witch companies with their
apparatus. Mayor McLear the members
OF City Council and several other city
officials. line of stalwarr policemen,
under command of Sergeant WEIGH were
at the head and several bands of music
added to the gaiety of the affair.
No more cordial reception was ever
accorded body of marching men.
Everywhere buildings stores and dwell
ings-were decorated with bunting and
brilliantly illuminated. while hundreds
of patriotic citizens put off magnificent
displays of fireworks. Then, too, there
was cheering along the route, and
everywhere there prevailed an evidence
of hearty good will toward the volunteer
firemen, which must have kindled the
fires of patriotism within them.
The Fame building was literally
covered with bunting and flags, while
many colored lanterns hung from the
tower, and stretched across the street
were three strings of Chinese lanterns
in the shape of triangle, making a
beautiful effect. When the parade
began to move the bell in the tower was
rung, the ringing continuing until it
had passed. There was also pyrotech-
mic display which was magnificent.
An unfortunate affair occurred, how
ever, while the parade was passing the
engine house, and some little excite
ment prevailed for a short time among
people in the street. The Fireworks
ignited the bunting on the front of the
building and the greater part of it was
consumed, but no damage resulted to
the building, as the front is fireproof,
being constructed of iron. The hl azt
was soon extinguished by the members.
The Fame tiremen had great deal o.
company in the matter of enthusiasm
II 4. -. a..
parade was in the vicinity the two
blocks between Tatnall and Shipley
appeared as one blaze of fire, residents
of nearly every house making display
of more or less magnitude.
A warm reception was given thu
parader5 while passing the Reliance
house. The hose carriage bells wert
vigorously rung and the members stool
out in front setting off fireworks.
The Delaware truck house, which
was the next fire company building
which was handsomely decorated, wa
blaze of light, while the bell on th
truck pealed forth welcome and goot
fellowship. The demonstration was de
cidedly commendahle and reflected grea
credit on the Delaware boys who hat
left no stone unturned to show thei
fellow iremen that they all had warn
hearts.
The Washington house, the next plac
OF interest passed, was a repetition o
the demonstration at the Delawar
house. The building was TASTEFUL
decorated and illuminated and Chimes
lanterns gave variety TO the scene. Th
bells were vigorously rung and til
members had beautiful display {
fireworks in front of the building.
Tbs reception given by the crow
on Market street was gratifying, and i
ihe City Hall the DELL was rung Will
the parade was passing.
The Friendship boys who had bee
waiting patiently. let themselves loos
when the line passed their bunldin.
They also had pretty display of fir
works and rang the bells in the engin
house. The welcome was most cordii
and was highly appreciated by the me
in line.
1t would have been almost a matte
of impossibility to pass all of the engir
houses, on account of the festiviti
which were to follow tho parade, bl
the members of the Weccacoe conceive
the idea of going to the parade an
manifesring their fraternal feeling. A
cordingly the company'H steam ar
chemical engines were taken to Del
ware avenue and Van Buren, street, ar
while the procession was moving pa
blew the whistle on tina steamer. III
friendly feeling shown was matter
favorable comment.
The Wilmington Bicycle Clun, Youl
Mems Democratic Club, Neptune Gil
and other organizations manifest,
their good will toward the tiremen |
making fine pyrotechnic displays. The
we're similar demonstrations at lar,
number of residences, while othe
were brilliantly illuminated.
When the parade reached tho engi
house the new piece of apparatus W
drawn into the building and put in
it's proper place, Driver John Magui
of the Fame company handling Il
lines. The horses used belonged TO i
Fans company. The entrance of Il
machine into the building was sign
for prolonged applause. which was I
peated when it was properly tracke
After it had been finally nlaced
position Frank Brand OF the Fan
company, in a neat speech turned t
apparatus over to the Water Wit
company. In his remarks he REFER
to the rivalry which had former
existed between the two companies al
said be was pleased TO note the evden
of the broadening Of fratornal feein
lie expressed pleasure at having t
opportunity to deliver tho hancisnI
and well-equipped apparatus and "
confident that 1T would be appTeciat
by ihe people.
Ez-President James McGlinchy