Bridgeton pioneer., 1899-04-13
HONoRHD THE CHIEF.
Gave Him Engrossed Resolutions and a
Gold Headed Cane-Then the Chief
Surprised Them.

Gold Headed Cane-Then the Chief
Surprised Them.
There was very pleasant occasion at
the Fire Department House, on Washing
ton street, Monday, and retiring Chief,
w. ii. H. Elwell. was doubly honored by
the men whom he has directed for so
many years.
Every member of the department was
present with three exceptions, and the
two new members. Benz. Morris, William
Sellers, Councilmen Conner and Wood
ruff, retired firem en- John F. johnson
and Reuben L. Bowen we're present.
1t was happy gathering, and when
President James Loper called the meet
ing to order there was considerable ex-
pectancy written upon the faces of those
present
friend of the company then ad-
dressed the Department, and called at
tention to the twenty-five years of con-
tinuous service that Chief Elwell has
given to the Department and to the city.
1t was recalled that since the Silsby
engine and two hose carts were brought
here in 1877 many changes had taken
place. The old engine house had been
built, and in 1884 the hose tower was
erected and the old gong was put in the
belfry. In 1887 came the four-wheeled
hose wagon for the Third ward; in 1889
came the hook and ladder truck; in 1890
came the handsome LaFrance engine:
in 1892 came the reconstructed Silsbv: in
1898 the Gamewll fire alarm system with
its nineteen boxes, and fourteen and one
half miles of wire; in 1894 came the new
hose wagon and the five handsome
horses, and in 1899 will come the hand
some Department building now in course
of erection.
All these changes, it was pointed out.
came under Chief Elwells direction, and
were largely due to his persistent urging
and active energy. Again attention was
called to the changes in the company
since Chief Ellwell entered the service.
OF the original company of nine, but one.
George Davenport, was still in the De-
partment. OF the twenty mem bers of the
company of 1882, when the Department
became paid one, there were but two
now remaining, George Davenport and
Charles II. Shull. Seven of that twenty.
more than one-third, have fell into eternal
sleep.
1t was then, upon behalf of the COM
pany, that handsomely engrossed resolu-
tions were presented to Chief Elweu.
Given not for their cost, not for their
worth, but as an evidence of the high
regard, the genuine affection, the true
friendship in which Mr.. Elwell is held by
every member of the company.
The resolutions, which were framed,
were as follows:
WHEREAS. w. II. H. Elwell. after
twenty-five years of active service as a
member of the Bridgeton Fire Depart
tons which has bound him to the or
ganization. and in all these years he has
been the head and directing mind of the
company, and thus endeared himself in
the hearts of the men who have long
and earnestly battled with him in pro-
Gecung the city and it's people from
danger, therefore be it.
Res0tUed, That in separating orr rela-
tons with our highly respected Chief.
there is heartfelt regret, and we desire
10 express our deep appreciation of the
many unfailing kindnesses and courte-
sizes that have been uniformly extended
TO us oy him. and to acknowledge that
the present high efficiency of the Com
pany is due largely to his individual
efforts; and further, we wish for him
many years of prosperous success, and as
sure him that he will ever be held in low
ing remembrance by us.
Adopted at meeting of the Bridgeton
FIRE Department, held the third day of
April, 1S99
w. L. SILvERs, JR.,
r.. D. PAULLIN,
VIM NJ Hustled,
GEORGE KINKLE, JR,
Committee.