Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-12-12

first-class entertainment. There are
lots Of good singers, banjo players,
dancers, etc, and their ability is well
known SO that none can escape. The
first thing Of course Is the business to
be transacted, but this never lasts
very long and then the cigars and pipes
begin to draw. the chairs work into q
circle, and every one has royal good
time.
1t may be that banjo suddenly and
mysteriously appears in the circle and
falls into the hands of one familiar
with it. It's funny how those things
happen some times, don't you know.
But when the strings are taut and
some familiar old song is started and 40
or 30 men join in, a fireman wouldn't
ask for better music and no one else
for that matter. The song may be fol-
lowed by jig or some other bit Of
dancing music and then some dancer
is. sure to be hauled to his feet and
pushed into the center of the circle
where he kicks 'er down in way that
would do credit to the professional.
Then you ought to hear 'em swap
stories. Say. you remember that fire
the other day. Was -" and away
some one goes on the description Of a
funny incident that sets the whole
crowd in a roar. One story always
leads on to another and before you
know it your sides are sore and lame
with much laughing.
They are rugged crews, that gather in
the hose houses for these meetings.
most young men, who take all the dam
ger and discomforts of a fireman at 40
more than once a month on an average
and call it all a pastime. They do
their work under all sorts of handicaps
hut in way that makes the depart
ment the pride of the city and the more
good times they can nave the better it
is for all concerned.
The primary purpose Of the assOcia-
ton is to provide assistance for sick
or injured members, but this is not the
whole of it by any means. The social
feature is among the most important
and the one that will perhaps do as
much good as any. Never before in the
history OF the department has it been
possible to get all the members together
regularly for a fixed purpose. The sue
cess Of the meetings that have been
held thus far shows how much the idea
is peinS appreciated.
The younger and more active men,
hers want the Old fellows togather with
them i'm these meetings and provision
mas been made for them in organizing
the association. Any ex-fireman of the
city on payment Of 81 can become an
1. ~
attending all the meetings held by the
association. He will not get any of the
financial benefits and will not have to
pay any of the dues or expenses. This
gives the old fellows chance to keep
in touch with the department and their
presence at the meetings and their adj
vice will be fully appreciated. A good
many have already joined and there is
room for all the others.
As already announced the association
is making plans for a three nights fair.
The dates have not been selected as
yet as it is the desire to choose those
that will be as free as possible from
other attractions so that every one will
have a chance to attend. The pro-
gram will probably consist of two plays
and n grand ball. This will afford
every one a chance to help on the good
work. In other places where there are
similar organizations among the fire.
men the annual entertainment Is one
of the features of the season and no one
thinks of missing it. The largest halls
are crowded to the doors and those
who can't get in buy tickets anyway
to help on the cause.
1>h;, x,aar will ha tho first that Ma
terville will have Il chance at anything
like this ard the city ought to do her
self proud. The Opera house ought to
be filled to the doors on every evening.
The entertainment will be first-class of
course There is no danger in saying
this before any of the plans are made.
The committee will need much help
from now out and every one should be
glad of the chance 10 assist in any way
possible.