The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1914-06-17
FLORENCE READY FOR F|REMEN|
STATE CONVENTION OPENS ON
JUNE % AND CONTINUES
THREE DAYS.
committees Pcrfecting Plans for Va.
riOus Featurcs-Oficial Programme
and List of Prizes for Tournament
and Other COntests-ThOusand of
Visitors Expected.

Degun in earnest the work Of making
actual preparation for the coming
of the South Carolina firemen, who
are to hold their annual meeting in
this city on Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday, June 23, "a, rs, and to this
end the work of decorating the city is
we'll under way, the race track is re-
ceiving the finishing touches and the
committees on all matters pertaining
to the meeting and races are as busy
as bees in tar bucket concluding all
OF the details for the automobile and
motorcycle races. the firemen's races,
the foot races, the balls, the recep-
tions, the automobile drives, the great
carnival on West Palmetto street,
and the half hundred other affairs
that will entertain and amuse the
firemen.
From present indications there will
be anywhere from $4,000 to 10000
folks here to witness the greatest
firemen's races ever held in South
Carolina when the day arrives.
The advertising committee has been
very busy during the past thirty days
doing a thorough line Of publicity in
all localities throughout the State.
Large poster sheets, twelve by twelve
feet, together with window hangers
cards, newspaper articles, etc., have
been sent to all towns and cities of
any size in the State, inviting all to
visit Florence, 1.-THE Convention City,"
during the tournament. The rail
roads have given exceptionally low
rates.
The decoration committee has not
been idle. Mr.. A. Rousseau, an expert
decorator from Atlanta. has been en-
ployed as official decorator for the
city and is now busy decorating the
streets. Every business house in the
city will be beautifully decorated by
next Saturday.
The grounds committee is right on
the job. They report that the streets
is now being placed in excellent con-
dition for the races, and that the con-
tract has already been made for
building suitable grand stand, with
a seating capacity Of 1000. to accom-
modate the large crowds during the
races and the masquerade carnival.
The entertainment committee is
now very busy arranging for The va
riOus receptions, ball and other social
affairs.
Florence people, who have rooms,
with or without meals. are urged to
list their names, street and rates
with the secretary of the Chamber Of
Commerce at once, as the committee
having this particular work in hand
desires to provide sufficient rooms
and meals for the vast crowds Of peo-
pie who are certain to come.
AS evidence that practically every
man of prominence in Florence is co.
operating toward the success Of this
big affair, attention is called to the
personnel Of the various committees
as follows:
Luther Ellison, general secretary.
Executive-C. f. Commander,
chairman; j. d. Evans, H. A. Smith,
Frank Godfrey. w. ]. wilkins, w. r.
Barringer. f. ]. Pendergrass, E. c.
Pendergast.
Finance-W. r. Barringer. chair
man; DR.. r. p. Covington. ]. w. Nc.
Gown. M. d. Lucas. c. w. Muldrow.
Ways and Means-E. ]. Pender-
grass, chairman; ]. l.. Barringer. T. j.
Kuker. A. II. Gasque. l.. B. Harper.
Public!ty-James d. Evans, chair
man; H. M. Aver, E. D. Sallenger,
Henry II. Husbands, NJ. C. Brunson.
Entertainment-E. c. Pendergast,
chairman; w. ]. Wilkins. C. F. Gil
christ, ]. w. Ivey, Otto fischer.
GrOunds-W. J. Wilkins, chairman;
Frank Brand, b. w. COvingtOn, b. A.
Early. A. II. GasQue.
Reception-H A. Smith, chairman.
Decorations - Frank Godfrey,
chairman.
Mr.. G. G. Graves, general traffic
manager of the G. A. and w. Railway,
has notified Mr.. Ellison, secretary OF
the Chamber Of Commerce, that ne
has arranged to operate an excursion
train from Bishopville, Hartsvflle.
Darlington and intermediate points