Norwich bulletin., 1910-04-26

The fifteenth anniversary of the Mo- ank fire company was celebrated at the rooms on Cedar street Monday eve- ming. The parlors and banquet hall held about 150 members and guests. Foreman Parks welcomed the visitors and introduced the speakers. The glee club. composed of members of the company. entertained at the conclusion of dinner with a well rendered pro- gramme of Instrumental and, vocal music.
 Fifteen Years Reviewed.
 This was followed by the reading of a paper on the history of the company, by the secretary, recalling the fact that through the efforts of La l.. Parks to organize a fire company meeting was called on April 25, 1895. fin Rogers hall. James T. Rathburn was elected chairman of the meeting, with ]. F. Ebbetts clerk. William Palmer, chair Parks and J. P. Ebbetts were appoint ed> a committee of enrolimenr. Charter Members.
 The following names were enrolled as charter members: Frank Freeman, c. I. Libby. J. c. Bailey. D. c. Hallo- ran, l.. l.. Parks, E. F. Fitch, J. T. Rathburn. P. A. Wilcox. Charles Weeks, Harry Parks. Fred Ramus, Clarence 
 On May the report of the enroll ment committee was read and accepted and the following names were added to the charter membership by accla- nation: c. I. Fitch. s. w. Fish, Ira l.. Mosher E. g.. Davis. J. l.. Daboll. W. D. Murphy, James V. Weaver, 1T. w. Latham, S. M. Gildersieeves, WILL jam P. Latham. Ernest Palmer, E. M. W. A. Fraser and w. l.. Palmer. The name of Nelson Rathburn does not ap- pear on the records of the company as a charter member through an error ords of the meeting. This makes a total membership iof s1Nat, orsaniza- ton.
 At this meeting officers were elect ed as follows: w. A. Fraser, foreman; c. l. Libby. assistant foreman; J. F. Dbbetts secretary; J. T. Rathburn' Parks and John Daboll, n committee to secure rooms, completed arrangements with tho town officials wehreby the company secured rooms in the annex or the Old South church, through the courtesy of the sslectmen. who gave the use of the room to the company without charge. The rooms were reno vated and improved and occupied on at which time Ellison Carroll was ap- pointed to secure money for the pur- chase. of apparatus which reulted in the collection of $seo.
 Purchased Engine.
 On November 27. 1895. l.. l.. Parks and W. A. Fraser was appointed 10 purchase an engine It was finally de- cided to purchase the engine Old Nep- tune from Stonington. for which tsO0 appointsd to purchase hose, 1000 feet of which was added to the equipment of the company and was used Tor the first time on April l. 1896, when Ire was discovered in the Miner buiiding. occupied by F. B. Searles. and rapidly spread to the Roger building. where the company was organized the year before, and the tenement owned by the ali at a loss of about $15,0O0. confin- ing the flames and preventing the de- struction of other property in this thickly settled district. won praise for the ffremen from all quarters.
 On June 3. 18e6, an addition was made to the equipment of the com pany by the presentation of a hose reel by the late E. H. Potter.
 Present Equipment.
 Now. through the efforts of the com pany, there is a new Waterous gaso- line fire engine, purchased in lsOs, fully equipped hook and ladder wagon. modern hose carriage as well az n reel. the old hand engine. over LOGO feet of hose and the present home which was dedicated in 1904 and was built at cost of s1,s00. The home of the company and equipment will aggregate a valuation of $4.500, and is free from debt.
 Thus, in 15 years. starting with practically nothing. this company has accomplished what probably excecdk any similar organization .n the state, Not one cent of appropriation,r has come from the town toward the estab- iishment of q free company for. No- nnk
 On February IF, 1899. the company joined the State Firemen's associatlon which gives each member of the cornr pany protection by insurance -aGai nsf injuries received while on duty at q fire. On March 3l, 1905, the conrpany was Incorporated under the laws Of the state.
 Compsny's Foremen.
 The following is the list of foremen who have served the company during the past 15 years:
 w. A. Fraser. 1895 to 1sa7; C. V Libby. 1898 to 1899; L. Ashcroft, -si2