The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1906-03-01
.F|REMEN HOLD BANQUET
Local Department Enjoys q Feast at Hotel
Buchanan Thursday Evening.

The Washington's birthday banquet
of the city fire department, which was
provided for and left to a committee
with power to act at the recent special
meeting of the firemen, which was
called for this purpose, was held
Thursday evening at Hotel Buchanan.
The function was huge success in
every way, and the carrying out OF the
project was accomplished in a careful
and finished manner which speaks
much for the gentlemen serving on the
committee which was charged with the
management of the banquet. Every
thing went off smoothly and without a
hitch, and moreover there was no one
in the large number in attendance who
did not enjoy himself thoroughly dur
ing every minute of the evening.
Landlord S. r. Snow and his people
had surpassed themselves in their
preparations for the entertainment of
the firemen. The big dining room OF
the Buchanan never presented so i'm
posing and beautiful an appearance as
on Thursday evening. The decora-
tons were carefully and tremendously
arranged, the patriotic idea OF the
anniversary being observed in the color
scheme of red, white and blue. Small
flags were also used in the decorations,
suspended at intervals from the fes-
toons, while larger specimen OF the
stars and stripes was draped along the
east wall OF the room. Red and pink
carnations formed the basis of the
table decorations.
The guests entered the dining room
in procession which formed at the
door, first the mayor, city council and
out-of-town visitors, then the different
companies of the department in the
following order: Hose companies No.
l, 2, 3 and 4, hook and ladder, chemi-
cal No. 1 and No. 2. Landlord Shows
viands occupied undivided attention
for period of over two hours, the hour
of midnight having fallen before the
speakers were given a chance.
Toastmaster F. w. Lyon then rose
and in neat speech presented to the
guests as the first orator Mayor G. E.
Vasaly. Mr.. Lyon performed the
duties of master of ceremonies with his
usual ability, adding much to the zest
of the evening by his witty and concise
manner OF introducing each speaker as
his turn came. Mayor Vasaly spoke
entertainingly of the ancient history
of the department, dwelling particu-
larly upon the brilliant uniforms in
which the Little Falls fire fighters OF
twenty years ago were wont to appear.
He described the evolution by which
the department had reached its present
efficiency as one of the best volunteer
companies in the state, and stated his
opinion that before long it would be
succeeded by regular salaried bri-
gade, as the city continued its growth
and development. Mr.. Vasaly's speech
was enlivened by number of humor-
Gus anecdotes, told in the speakers
best manner, which were literally
applauded by his hearers.
The mayor was followed by Secretary
King, OF the state firemen's associa-
ton, who responded in an excellent
address on the work and aims of the
volunteer departments, which made
great impression on those who heard
him. w. M. Fuller spoke on the
development of the local fire service,
and read a number of interesting
statistics regarding its early officers,
facilities and methods. Secretary
w. w. Hunter then read statement
containing more facts about the history
of the company, from figures compiled
by Mr. Fuller from the city records.
Hon. Frank Eddy of Sank Centre,
who was next introduced, delivered the
principal address of the evening. Mr..