The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1898-09-30

of cymbals, crash of drums, waving
of bunting, flags and handkerchiefs,
the nuttering of decorations, the cheers
and hand-clappings yesterday after
noon, the one great event of the Pitts
ton fire laddies, the annual parade,
was ushered in with great eclat. To
make a perfect setting brighter, the
afternoon was comfortably warm and
no marrng accidents occurred to in
terfere.
Wednesday afternoon and evening
the preparations were perfected and
the visiting fire companies were re-
ceived and made comfortable by their
intended hosts. At { y. IN. parade
was held. In this the Pittston fire
companies took part and with them
were the McQuoids, of Middletown.
the West Pttston company, and the
attached and unattached wheelmen.
Fireworks were set off and illuminated
signs adorned the line of march.
Early yesterday morning the final
details were arranged for the days
event The hour set for the moving
of the marchers was p. m., but not
until a half hour later did they start.
Then the blowing of the general alarm
announced the initial movement. Not
since the Pittston soldier boys march
ed away or marched home has such
a wildly enthusiastic crowd congre-
gated on Main avenue as did yester-
day. Business of every sort was aban-
doned for the time being.
LINE OF MARCH.
Formation for the parade was made
upon South Main avenue, headed down,
with the right resting near Water
street When the parade was begun
the van swung around and moved
up Main avenue to Ferry bridge.
Thence across the bridge to West Pitts
ton. to River street. to Parke, to Wy
oming, to Montgomery, to River to
Water street. Thence to Bridge, across
to the Niagara engine company's quar-
ters, where in front of this company's
arch of welcome, review and dismissal
occurred.
To cite individual instances of events
that occurred along the line and dur
ing the parade. would be impossible.
Suffice it to say that it was one grand
ovation from the admiring thousands,
easily evoked by the general up-to-date
appearance of the whole department.
The visiting firemen from Middletown,
n. Y. West Pittston, Wyoming, Luz
erne and Avoca were unstintedly cheer
ed.
The parade was divided into two
| divisions, the first being led by pla-
| toon of policemen, mounted and on
| foot, in charge of Chief Lotus. Fol-
| lowing came the mayor, members of
| council. and the guests of Pittston
riding in open barouChes. Then Chief
| Patterson and his assistant chiefs,
| closely followed by the visiting chiefs
| and their assistants. Headed by Alex
| ander's band, of Wilkes Barre. the Wy
| Oming hose company, No. ], swung in
! to line, followed by their hosts, the
! Eagle hose and engine company, No
| l, better known as "Pittston's Pride
STRONG IN MEMBERS.
Both companies We're strong in mem
bers and a drill squad of six sets
| Of fours performed many graceful evol.
utions. Following the Eagles appar.
atus came nine more carriages ir
which We're seated the mayor, mem.
bers of council and guests from Mid.
| dletown, n. Y. The Twcnty-fourtt
COmpany's band from Middlctown com.
ing next at the head of tn,
| McQuoid engine company OF tha
| city. They also drilled anC
were closely followed by the Leel
COrnet band, who in turn headed tn,
Niagara engine company, No. .. Thi:
latter company was entertaining
the McQuoids.
Heading the Luzerne engine com
pany. No. /, of Luzerne, was the Nfntl
Regiment band. The boys were il
army uniform, hats and all, and grea
was their reception. The Liberty Cor
net band led the Mechanics fire com
pany, No 3. coming next in line, anC
after them came the Moosic band fol
lowed by that inimitable, indie
scribable organization, when in ser
vice known as the Black Diamond Hool
and Ladder company, but when ol
parade as the Darktown Hook com
pany. From the drum major to tn
last man of the company all wer
black faced. This is another cas-
were description is out of the question
Scranton has once seen this Compan,
and its glory has not faded or eel
grown light Colored. Every one wa
satisfied with them from the small bo
up to the person who was too shor
to see and only heard.
SECOND DIVISION.
Leading the second division was tn
Albion band, who headed the Avoc
hose comany, No. /. These boys
made a decided hit all around an
especially with their japanese su
shades. Last, but not least came ou
own and only Bauer's band. Those VIII
were almost beyond further yelling re
vived and the band was cheered I