The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1899-11-18
FIRE FIGHTERS FEASTED
An oyster Supper Given at the Acme
Hotel Last Night

! Cio, duu justly 81, Dis lOF many
years she has had one Of Che best
volunteer fire departments in the
state, and in the many state
tournaments in which 'the boys"
have participated we cannot re-
call one instance in which they
have not won fame for them
selves as well as honor for the
city which they love SO we'll.
The contest which has Just ia.
ken place in Jacksonville was no
exception to their former record,
as "our favorites" simply made a
"clean sweep" as our readers
have already seen in the columns
of the Star.
When the news of the victory
reached Ocala many of her good
citizens banded themselves to-
gether to arrange a reception fer
the victors upon their return, and
as it was not definitely known on
| what day they would arrive, the
| time Tor the festive occasion was
set for Friday night, to take
place at the Acme Hotel, on
North Magnolia street, where an
oyster supper had been prepared.
At about 1:3O o'clock on the
above date the members Of the
entire department., with a few
friends, about fifty IN all, congre-
gated at the hotel to participate
in the festivities of the evening.
After several choice selections
of excellent music, both vocal
and instrumental, in the parlor
of the hotel, the guests were in
vited to the dining room, and, as
they entered, what a perfect pic
ture of loneliness that met their
gaze. The decorations were
simply grand, the walls being
draped with flags, bunting, palm
leaves, ferns, etc.
When all had been seated at
the long and beautifully decora-
ted table, Mr.. p. B. Dukes arose
and made short but appropriate
address of welcome, and, in be-
half of the members Of the fire
department., thanked all who had
assisted SO generously In making
such preparations for the recep-
ton of the victors, and assured
the charming hostess, Mrs. Mes
sett, that the boys were equally
as competent at taking in the
good things for the inner man as
they were the prizes at the state
races.
Mr.. Dukes address was great
ly enjoyed and heartily cheered.
Mr.. q. A. Carmichael acted as
chef waiter, and an artist in this
line be proved himself to be. He
was ably assisted by Mr.. Johnnie
Moore, who seemed to be every
where at one time in his eager
ness to see that no one should
leave TIE table with a longing
look on his countenance for more
of the luscious bivalves, which
were served in every conceiva bic
style.
The decorations were grand but
the supper was simply beyond
description. One would have
had to participate in 1t to realize
what magnificent spread 1t
was.
The inner man satisfied, the
guests repaired to the parlOr,
where again sweet music was
rendered by some of the ladies
present, and at a late hour they
reluctantly departed for their
homes, but not before they had
given three rousing cheers for
Messrs. 6. A. Carmichael and
2. B. Dukes, who were SO ener-
gctic in arranging for the sue
cess of the occasion.
This compliment was highly
appreciated and will be long re-
membered by the members Of the
fire department., and when they
leave for the next state tOurna-
ment it will be with a determine