The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1911-06-16

bunch proceeded in the afternoon, to
the State Road, where the hook and
ladder contest was to be held. This
race course was a heavier upgrade
than the course of the morning As
the hook and ladder was a great deal
heavier than the hose carriage, we
thought that we were up against it
for sure. But each man determined
to do his best
Meyersdale, our closest opponents in
the morning race, were so confident
of winning the hook and ladder con-
test, that they made no secret of it,
but boasted about it continually. They
ran and their time was 81 Is sec
onds, this was good time considering
the uphill run.
1t was our turn next. As we walk
ed down the course, preparatory to
running we could hear the spectators,
commenting upon our lightness; and
not person in the crowd thought
that We had a ghost Of a chance. But,
there was a surprise in store for
them, and we proved to them, 5eyond
a shadow OF a doubt, that, ~ does NOT
| take size to win; but grit and endur-
ance. For, we beat Meyersdale out
by two seconds. ~ Billingslea, our
ladder scaler, displayed the same old
form that he did at Frostburg three
years previous. For hardly had the
! ladder touched the ground, before he
was up it, his hand grasping the top
round. Hagerstown came second,
and Meyersdale the boosters" third.
This race proved, that there was not
a gutter among u.s. The crowd knew
that we were the winning team, when
they saw us coming down the line,
for every man, woman, and child
cheered us as we neared the finish.
They knew our handicap, and they
admired US for the good fight that
we were putting up. Everyone was
for us.
The fourth and last event, was the
100 yard dash. In this race, Levine
Billingslea, was chosen to represent
our team. On account OF this being
his first race, he was a little slower
getting off than his more experienced
opponents But he demonstrated that
he was the best runner among them,
by finishing as he did a little ahead
OF the Meyersdale man.
The judges said, ''Billingslea, Of
Westminster wins the race, time
10 As seconds" At this decision the
Meyersdale bunch raised a howl. The
race was close, but there was mo-
doubt that it belonged to Westmins-
ter. However, the other companies
entered, disputed it, saying, that it
was a tie heat" Rather than have a
lot of contention, and knowing as we
did, that Billingslea was the best
man among them, we decided to let
him run the race over; for, we had
already won three first prizes.
And as the first prize in this event
was only $40, and as Billingslea was
already sure of second if he lost to
the Meyersdale man, the race was
run over. But the fates were against
US. In starting Billingslea slipped,
and his opponent gor such start
that it was impossible to make it up.
Although gaining on his man at every
stride, it was impossible for our man
to recover the lost ground.
we, the reel team, wish to thank
all our Westminster friends for our
reception on our return. We wish
to thank the other members OF the
Fire Department for the manner in
which they stuck to us. Their inter-
est in us was no doubt largely re
sponsible to great extent for our
victory. Above all we wish to ex-
tend to Captain Diffendal our hearty
appreciation of his capable manage
ment of the team. And also to thank
Harry X. Shaeffer for his interest in
the team as well.
The meet wds a successful ONE
from every point of view. The wealth
er was ideal, the town was elaborately
decorated, and the proverbial Mary
land hospitality was everywhere in
evidence.
We are proud of our volunteer Fire
Company, and it should always be rec
ognized as one Of the most important
organizations in the town.
The next convention will be at Hag-
erstown.