The Democratic advocate., 1908-01-17
FIREMEN'S ANNUAL BANQUET
A Social Gathering OF Westminster's
Leading Citizens.

| Then followed the election of officers, as
| follows:
President, Michael E. Walsh.
First Vice President, s. G. Stoner
Second Vice President. VIM. E. Weagey.
| Chief, Frank L. Shaeffer.
Assistant Chief, Florence Little.
Secretary Treasurer, JAS. Pearre WantZ.
Asst. Secretary Treasurer, Denton Gehr.
Foreman of Trucks. J. Harry Cootes.
Asst. Foreman of Trucks, j. d. Biehl.
Foreman of Reels, Harry X. Shaeffer.
| Asst. Foreman of Reels, VIM. <. Frizzell.
Librarian. VIM. N. Keefer.
Assistant Librarian, Meade Ohler.
Marshal, John Il. Mitten.
Assistant Marshal, John l.. Shriver.
Janitor, Luther E. Long.
All the old officials were re elected, with
the exception of Former President Charles o.
Clemson, who is succeeded by Michael f..
Walsh.
After the result of the election had been
announced, members and guests were invited
10 the room below, where an elaborate supper
had been prepared. Flags of different ma
tions were strung from the ceiling. and two
tables extended the entire length of the hall.
There was a great variety and an abundant
quantity of tempting dishes, which rapidly
| melted away before the appreciative appetites
| of those present.
The physical man having been satisfied.
near all returned to the assembly room TO
indulge smoke and partake of the intellec-
tua feature of the gathering. President
Walsh took the chair. and with a few well
chosen remarks appropriate TO each particu-
lar orator, called the names of the speakers.
Judge Bond spoke at some length and in
dulged in much badinage of the president
for being late at Sundays fire; thought the
crying need of the department was some
scheme by which the president might be
awakened before the fire extinguished; /;
suggested sprinkler apparatus above his bed;
praised the gastronomic abilities OF members
of the department; never so proud of them as
when he witnessed their vigorous attacks upon
the turkey and ham.
B. u. Stauuton, president State Volunteer
Firemen's Association, complimen,ed the
building and the banquet spoke Of the work
of the association the past year; said Franklin
fire alarm system was in use at Roland Park,
2S public stations and wire to the bed room
of each member, at cost of So, 600; could
be put in for much less in Westminster.
B. F. Grouse, Insurance Commissioner, said
his business was not to fight fires, but 10 fight
bad insurance companies; so that those who
were damaged by fire might not suffer loss
through irresponsible concerns; spoke of fail
ure of fire. alarm system in Belair; wouldn't
make good fireman because he sleeps soundly
and never hears the bell; complimented de-
partment on Baltimore record in saving Jones
Falls and the Monumental Theatre; congratu
lated President Walsh on his wire pulling
abilities as displayed in his successful cam
paign for the presidency; predicted that with
more experience in broader field he might
some day become rival; was no pupil of
his: on contrary. the commissioner thought
he might set at the feet of the newly elected
president and imbbe wisdom and strategy.
Rev. w. L. Seabrook. of the Sentinel,
INDUCED in "reminiscences of the early struggles
of the department; was one OF a number to
pledge an amount sufficient 10 buy lot; he ped
to dig foundation himself for the first building:
held fairs, theatrical performances. and used
every effort to achieve success; citizens all
helped; had nothing but pleasant memories
for the old days.
Professor Simpson said that one good feature
ofthe association was the bringing together of
the business men of the town, promoting har
mony and good feeling; thought Westminster
excelled her sister towns in manyOther respects,
as well as in her fire department.
Rev. Fl. NJ Rider did not know why he had
been called on unless it was felt that recital
of his experience as a ghter against the fire
unquenchable might be of benefit to those
who fight the flames on this mundane sphere;
dsclaimed any connection with the hire depart
ment down below, but admitted that the men,
bers were wide awake, active and resourceful;
started TO tell of the superior facilities at Cam
bridge, but was tagged by Judge Bond and
other sufferers; showed the proper ministerial
appreciation ofthe good things OF life by rhap-
sodizing the supper; thought the town was to
be congratulated on the possession OF 50 ETH
cient a department
George L. Baughman said he was too round
to chase the fantastic flames: his heart was
always with the boys but the balance of his
body remained in bed at home.
Guy w. Steele felt that some one should
defend the president from the charge of tardi,
ness: said that gentleman had probably been
kept awake walking the floor with ii teething
infant; not sure that fire alarm was needed;
no good in Belair; commended the department
and thought there should be more frequent
meetings for the discussion of town improve
ment.
States Attorney Reifsnider did not blame
the president for being late at the fire; was 10
O'Clock the next day before he heard OF 1t,
and he had not been walking the floor either;
pleased with the praise that had been lavished
upon the department., and felt that it was all
deserved; thought we should take warning
from the Boyertown disaster, and see that our
places of amusement and all public buildings
told of the efforts to have building inspector
appointed; agitation at that time had pro.
duced good results, but there was still danger;
our first duty was to protect human life, and
every precaution should be taken 10 that end;
regretted that he had been compelled to speak
in such a serious vein, but felt that conditions
justified it.
Harry P. Gorsuch said he was not feeling
well; didn't know whether it was back ache
or stomach ache; was an honorary member
and proud of it, thought it the duty of every
citizen to aid the department to that extent.
President Walsh made a few closing re-
marks, and shortly before II the meeting
broke up About 200 were present.
The following gentlemen had charge Of the
affair:
Supper Committee-John H. Mitten, chair
man; John E. Eckenrode. NJ E. Walsh, Chas.
E. Cootes, Chas. o. Clemson. Edward A.
Chrest, Wm N. Keefer, VIM. N. Weagley,
Harry B. Hoffacker Chas. B. Hunter, Meade
Ohler, John l.. Shriver.
Head waiter-P. Florence Little.
Table waters-Wm. N. Grumbine, VIM.
N. Keefer, Benz. Dorsey. VIM: N. Weigley,
Harry Schweigart, w. Frank Thomas, Chas.
E. cootes, Arthur Arbaugh Ernest c.
Geiman, Paul Case Denton Gehr, C. Carroll
Henry, Geo. f. Eckenrode. VIM. K. Anders,
o. D. Gilbert, Harry Thompson and Herbert
Morgan.
Men for side kitchen-Meade Ohler, Chas.
B. Hunter and David E. Walsh.
Men for back Kitchen. Gloyd Difendal,
Harry B. Hoffacker, S. G. Stoner.
Wedding Reception.
On Sunday, Dec. 20, 1907, at the hospitable
boma of Mr. and Mrs r. + Gunn a grand re.