Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1899-02-07

CHARLES TOWN, w. VA, ian. 81, 1899.
To the entire people of Charles Town and
Jefferson County:
You have been informed, through our
town papers, that Charles Broadway
Rouss, our generous benefactor. has
again come forward in the hour of need
and sent his check for, $500, which has
been used in paying off the entire indebt-
edness due on our handsome building,
known over the entire country as the first
Charles Broadway Rouss Memorial Hall
Building and home of the Independent
Steam Fire Company. No. I. This has
been accomplished through his generosity
and with the aid of some of our people,
and the generous support given by the
members of the Independent Steam Fire
ComparhY, allowing 5000, in money, saved
for the purpose of getting suitable uni
form in place of the old and dilapidated
one, to be used for the erection of the
building which is the pride of the town,
and, besides, every member contributed
labor and what little money they could,
which they could i'll afford to spare, but
they made the sacrifice to erect the build
ing, and then again went to work and
built water tower at their own expense
Ali this they have done without reward,
and the late repairs to the steamer they
assisted in raising funds, aud with the
assistance of our Council this bill was
paid.
So the entire people of the town have a
handsome building, costing over $40, 600.
a first-class steamer in perfect condition,
and water tower, which in time of need
will do great service in saving lives and
property. All this has been done for
your interest. without cost to the general
public treasury and all this is town prop
erty for your protection.
And to maintain volunteer Steam Fire
Company annually, we submit the fol-
lowing cost:
Fire Insurance Building .............. $50
Coal for stove and steamer. 40
Light, oil and necessary cleaning. &c.. So
Engine keeper and janitor. 60
sl68
This annual expense, which has to be
borne by the company to maintain them
selves, and their services are free to all
the people in town and county.
make this appeal to one and all of you
to assist in raising funds to purchase a
suitable uniform they so badly need.
They are ever ready to remember you in
the hour of need in exposing their health
and often sacrificing their lives in striv-
ing TO save your property and lives This
is the ouly reward they ask at your hand,
and it will show an appreciation on your
part and will revive their spirits and
make it healthy organization. This is
but little to ask for, and in responding in
a liberal way you will feel in heart of
having done your whole duty for your
own and the interest of all.
So 1 ask every lady ard gentleman in
the town and county to aid and assist the
Ladies' Charles Broadway Rouss Club
of the Independent Steam Fire Company
No. I, of Charles Town, w. Va, in Civ
ing your generous support in contribu-
tons and attendance to the fair, and you
will demonstrate to the country at large
that you appreciate the volunteer ffrernen
of the town for the services they are
ready to render you, as Winchester and
other cities and towns in the Valley have
done for the firemen.
Also let one and all assist in making
grand demonstration in honor of the 6sd
birthday of the ever generous and noble
benefactor Charles Broadway Rouss, of
New York, who has done so much for
the people of this town. So let the nth
of February be day in the history of our
dear old town to be remembered in time
to come, and show our heartfelt gratitude
for the generous liberal donations we
have received from his hands.
Respectfully yours,
JULrUs c. HoLMes,
Capt Ind. Steam Fire Co.