The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1903-01-12
LATCHSTRING ORIGINALS.
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY TO BE
CELEBRATED

Tomorrow Night--s0OIety Is an Unique
out Aid of Ardent spIrIts-Prominent
citizens Are Members.
Fifty years ago next Tuesday (Jan-
uary 1S). some three score young men
filed with enthusiasm for the cause Of
temperance united to reorganize Croton
Fire Engine company, and to do duty
in the volunteer fire department of that
day, without the aid of ardent spirits.
The first foreman of the company was
Henry c. Farnam, a gentleman who.
subsequently proved himself one of tha
most efficient and faithful officers in the
New Haven fire department For first
assistant the company made choice Of
Edwin Bodwell. The first secretary was
James Cruickshanks, philanthropid
son of Yale and a son of old Scotia. AT
ter graduating from college he became
a minister. The treasurer elected was
Captain J. M. D. Hendricks, who also
OBLIGATED as drill master of the Croton
Guard. Of these four original officers,
two have since died, Mr.. Farnham and
the Rev. James Cruikshanks. Two still
survive, Edwin Bodwell of Topeka,
Kan, and Captain John Hendricks OF
this city. Secretary Cruikshanks sery-
ed a little over three months and was
succeeded by Nelson L. Stowe, now do
ing business in Chicago, and residing
in Evanston, where he has become
president of the board of education.
Stone oficiated as secretary a little
less than year and was succeeded by
the present incumbent, Professor b.
Jepson.
J. The association thus formed extended
it's acquaintance and influence In the
course of time strong friendship
sprang up between it's members and
those of Storm Engine company in the
borough of Birmingham led by Profess
scr Stevens of the Birmingham high
school That friendship continued and
was cemented by many pleasant inter-
changes of courtesies and visits. Their
first grand reunion was held at the Tom
tine hotel June %, 1856. 49,.
When the Kansas troubles occurred
some of its most active spirits Joined
the celebrated Rifle colonists of Wa
baunsee and took part in that struggle
for free territory; others, in the vo1un-
teer military organization named the
Independent Rangers acquired consid-
cradle proficiency in the school Of the
soldier. Upon many a bloody field
they proved their patriotic fidelity, ana
not a few gave their lives to the cause.
The survivors to the number Of sixty
| five are scattered far and wide perforc-
ing the work assigned them in every
calling and profession of life-seventy-
five comrades, a little more than half
the original members, have answered
the final roll call. OF the sixty-five SUR
vivors responses have been received
from fffty-one. About forty have en-
gagged seats at the banquet, nearly one-
half of the number will come from out
of town. Joseph Tees from Manitoba,
with his wife, have already arrived.
George Osborn of Kansas City will also
be accompanied by his family. Captain
Sidney E. Clark Of the United States
army writes that he will be present
with his daughter. Other cities and
towns will be represented. Mrs. Colonel
Russell, whose husband was killed at
Roanoke Island expects to be present,
and with numerous family connections
of deceased members. Congressman N.
D. Sperry, member of L. S. o. for
many years, writes that he will be
present if possible. One of the most ins
teresting features Of the anniversary
will be a stereopticon exhibition Of tho
forms and faces of over forty deceased
members. Treasurer George r. Bill
will have the banquet tickets for sale
in the hall to members and their farnis
lies at IL o'clock (noon). The company
will be called to order at 1 o'clock sharp
by President c. A. Baldwin. Fichtl's or
chestra will furnish the music. Cham.
pion' will furnish the floral decorations.
j Cunningham will contribute flags.