Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-07-06
GALA DAY TOR FIR[hEk.
AT MARTINS FERRY
YESTERDAY.
THE CITY GAILY DECORATED,
The Arrival of the Visiting Teams
and the Programme for the Day.
The Sessions of the Association in
the Opera House-The Programme
for To-day.

for To-day.
The volunteer firemen of the North
eastern Ohio Association had gala
day yesterday at Martins Ferry, where
they met for the big tournament and
their twelfth annual convention, which
will close to-day with races and other
events never equalled in the history
OF this association The fire depart
ment of this city have an unparalleled
record for victories that has given
them their well earned reputation of
worlds champions, and having been
guests of so many cities, they we'll I'M
derstand how TO treat visitors. Yes
terday morning the visitors who came
to the city found it alive with music.
Two famous bands. Heatherington' S,
Of Bellaire, and Meister's, of Bridge
port, and flags and bunting in profu-
sion waving from every building, gave
the city a true holiday appearance.
The first companies to arrive were
those of Toronto and Coshocton, and
at eleven O'Clock the Salem and Lee
tcnia companies arrived over the c. &
p. on a special with about $50 people
aboard. They were met at the depot
by the reception committee headed by
Heatherington's band. This large
delegation was marched to the Opera
! House, where the convention had al
ready opened. The Salem company
brought with them a full brass band.
The convention was held in the Opera
House, which was handsomely decor
ated. Long before the hour of open
ing people began to gather in the
building, and promptly at ten O'Clock
Chief Ong, of Martins Ferry, called the
convention to order and introduced
Rev. Boyle of the First Presbyterian
church, who offered a fervent prayer.
After the prayer the excellent chorus
of mixed voices under the direction of
]. c. Gray, rendered the first number,
THE Jolly Firenen," which was re-
ceived with much applause. Judge
John S. Cochran was introduced, and
in an eloquent talk warmly welcomed
the visiting firemen After the well
come Mayor Goodhue was introduced,
and turned over the key of the city to
the firemen, and in short talk well
coined all the visitors. Then the choir
rendered a medley, and in the absence
of President Wilkinson, Vice President
Smith was introduced, who made few
remarks. Then as the firemen who
had arrived late came in, 4 request was
made for the choir to repeat the med
ley. j. c. Gray, the director, made an
address to the firemen, giving them
another welcome. The secretary DR..
j. G. Parr, then read the minutes of the
previous meeting, which were adopted,
and the convention adjourned until af-
ter the parade. At their meeting in
the evening DR.. j. W. Darrah, of Mar
tins Ferry, was elected president, and
l.. frankie, of Bellaire, secretary,
which was all the Offices that were to
be filled, Promptly at one-thirty the
parade started, which was undoubted-
~ the greatest demonstration this city
has ever seen, requiring twenty-four
minutes for it to pass a given point,
and having over 100 vehicles in line
Salem was given first honors and lead
with their band, and three companies,
with city officers and home depart
ment. Among the leading industrial
Stanton Heater Co., and Spence Baggs
Co., with almost every business house
in the city represented, making in all
a most creditable parade, which march
ed over the city ending at the grounds.
After the parade the firemen took a
rest, but returned TO the grounds and
enjoyed the entertainment arranged for
them The tournament was we'll at
tended last evening. About 1000 peo-
pie visited the grounds. Dancing
seemed to be the leading amusement,
and the large pavilion was crowded.
To-day will be the last and also the
leading one, as the races will take
place, the bicycle races coming first.
The following is the programme for
to-day
At 10 a. m. the ten mile bicycle road
race will be started on Hanover street.
between Fourth and Fifth streets, and
continue west on the Martins Ferry
and Colerain pike five miles out and
return. Largest and most valuable
prizes ever offered are hung up for
this race, including a fine couch for
time prize.
Entries for open to the world and
sporting
Team, Coshocton; Hope Hose Com
pany, Bellaire; Independent Hose
Company, Salem; Deluge Hose Com
pany, Salem; Our Boys Hose Company.
Toronto; Chief Bishop Hose Company,
New Martinsville.
Hook and ladder races: Fulton
Hook and Ladder Company. Salem;
Rescue Hook and Ladder Company.
Leetonia.
The entries for the 100 and 220 yard
foot races are large and some record
breaking time is expected TO be made
on the fast track
The young ladies' committee award
ed the prizes for the finest appearing
companies in the parade as follows.
namely: Independents of Salem. first
Vigilants of Martins Ferry, second:
Coshocton team, third.
For Penny Po.tana