The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1903-02-27
HAD A JOLLY
CELEBRATION
Independent Hose Co. Spend a
Pleasant Evening Enter
tanning Their Friends
TRUCK BOYS WERE INVITED

covered Musical Organization Made
| its bow to the Public and Created =
Decided Sensation. Banquet, Song.
Dance and Vaudeville Entertained
the Company and Their Guests
There was music in the air last Tues
day night AMI it emanated from the beat
upon bass drum by A. NJ. Guerin. the
rattling of kettle drum by Eugene
Carroll and the shrill notes from flute
played by J. Fred Runyon. AS these
gentlemen came marching out of Market
street about half past seven o'clock play
ing some unknown war tune, it Was not
surprising that men and women wonder
ed at the terrible noise and asked them
selves what it was all about. These
musicians marched to the fire house of
Resolute Truck on Speedwell avenue,
and when they arrived at the entrance
to the house they ceased their harmonious
strains and walked inside. Presently
the large doors of the house swung open,
the music started up again and the
members of Truck | .me marching out
in full uniform and proceeded to the
home of Independent Hose on Market
street.
The gong on the Chemical engine an.
nounced their coming, and the members
of Independent Hose attired in their
neat uniforms extended them a hearty
welcome. 1t was the occasion of house
warming over the recently leased rooms
above the cafe of Jacob Wulfers. and
the truck boys were invited to participate
in celebrating the event. AS they
marched in the house headed by the
suddenly famous Independent Drum
band, they were escorted to the new
room, where general handshaking took
place and an inspection of the apart
ment made,
The room was prettily decorated. The
handsome flag of the stars and stripes
presented to the company by Kittatinny
Hose of Newton, was draped on the wall
and the valued painting by Thomas
Mast representing himself as fireman
Efejoieing over the golden age Of the fire
department, was fastened to the wall.
Many historical pictures of fires and
scenes of 6remen's parades were hung
from the side walls and American flags
we're waivihg about.
la the shape of curiosities, the Hose
boys resurrected lot of old fire helmet
fronts which they had stored away in
their cellar, and tackled them over and
along the edges of the sliding doors
leading into the parlors. The collection
is one OF the most valuable in the State
and was greatly admired by the visiting
friends
After Prof. Runyon's unexcelled
orchestra perpetrated few overtures,
vaudeville entertainment was given. 1t
consisted of musical comedy team
from New York, Winans and Cassler,
and shadowgraphs by Frank and Gus
Pierson.
The musical sketch was much enjoyed,
The manipulation Of the various kinds
of ugly looking instruments in shape of
old broken wine bottles. battered tin
cups, sleigh bells and common sticks
was wonderful. Clear, harmonious
tones pealed from every instrument they
handled. They were also jokers of no
mean ability and they caused much
laughter by offering the fire committee
a little wooden horse tied to thick
piece of rope for Washington Engine
Company. They also had something
which they called gattling gun, and
they said if Eugene Carroll took it with
him on his hunting trips he would not
have to "kill dead rabbits.
The shadowgraphs by the Pierson
brothers were skillful and very interest
ing Most of the funny characters were
made local. The trials of j. Bradford
Stevens fishing at Barnegat Bay, were
shown almost true to life and the
tribulations of George W Meliok in
calling upon the young ladies, created
great deal of laugh er
At the conclusion of this part of the
entertainment a bountiful repast was
served by Day.
Owing to the extreme modesty of
Foreman Madigan, Mr.. ]. Fred Runyon
was prevailed upon to act in his place as
toast master and Mr.. Runyon proved to
be as accomplished in this art, as in
others. His opening speech was humor-
GUS and also pointed, but he exhibited
much feeling in his exprs rsssion of the
friendship which the Hose boys had for
the Truck lads
Ex-Chief George " Muchmore of the
Summit fire department was called upon
for speech, and in appropriate words
complimented the Hose Company on
their new quarters, and congratulated
the Fire Department of Morristown on
its high standard of efficiency He was
followed by Editoc Cliff of the Summit
Record.
When Foreman Cobbett of the Truck
was asked to speak few words he
agreeably surprised the Hose boys by
presenting them with quartered oak
extension table a gift from the Truck
Company The table is very hand
some piece of furniture and was much
admired by the Hose Company.
Following his remarks speeches were
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