Evening journal., 1916-05-09
WATER WITCH WON
Centennial RACE.
Account of Contest Between
Fire Engine Horses Among
Mr.. Vandever'S Effects
ALSOSLOGAN ON BADGE
DOIT FOR DELAWARE

Ferris Giles, administrator Of the
estate of the late Alfred d. NandeVer,
in going over the effects of the de-
ceased several days ago, found print
ed card containing an account of
great race between fire horses held
at the Centennial. Philadelphia, in
1876, and which was won by the
Water Witch Company of this city.
The Reliance Company was also enter
ed in the race, which was witnessed
by a large crowd. The card also tells
of the great ovation given David Hen
mis-. who drove the Water Witch
horses. on his return to this city.
Mr.. Vandeve', at the time of his
death. was the oldest active fireman
I'm the city and had been 4 member
Of the Fame Hose Company for many
years. lie took an active interest for
more than half "a century IN all mat
ters i'm which fircmcn were Interested
This card found among his paper
will be presented by Mr.. Giles. TO City
Councilman John J. McGoldrick,
member of the Water Witch, Tor that
company.
That the slogan, "Do II for Whining
ton" adopted recently by the Nham-
ber OF Commerce. lis not in original
idea is indicated by large silk badge
which MIR. Giles found among the
papcrs of the deceased. This badge
contain. the inscription DO II Tor
Delaware" As the material has the ap-
pearanie Of being very old II rs
thought that the badge was made
many years ago and therefore the
present slogan to advertise the CITY
WIS anticipated long time ago.
Mr.. Giles has invited Judge Henry
{. Conrad To- look over the historic
papeis Of Mr. Nandever, TO pick out
anv that he thinks may be of value
and OF interest TO the Delaware HIS
torical Society.
The card giving an account OF the
race between fire engine horses iol'
lows:
CENTENNIAL FIRE ENGINE RACE
"The greatest feature of interest IN
Philadelphia. on Friday, september 3,
1876. to iiremen. was the race between
dra engine horses. There were three
entries namely: The Water Wltch
horses TO a Clapp and Jones engine
the same m; Ike as the engine used
nv the company here. only heavier
and driven by David Henn.s. the ke
lance engine horses of this place
were attached to a Silsby engine and
an Elmira CN. W engine. with horses
from the Philadelphia Fire Depart
mcnt. The race took place at ]
o'clock and was witnessed by a tre
mendous crowd Of people. while hve
hundred. special policemen we're De
tailed 10 keep the route over Whlcr
they Travelled clear.
"The Water witch kept the lead
under the rkillful driving OF MIR
David Hennis and were loudly cheer
cd hut when they came in ahead o
the rest and got into service, all II
is minutes. the cheers gave way &c
mstv wells. The distance Travelled
was three miles. a mile and a nal
out and a mile and a half ia.
saturday evening when Mr.. Hen
mis- arrived in Wilmington with th'
horses. he met with a perfect ovation
The large be- upon the Water Nitci
engine house was rung long and loud
Shiplev street was crowded IRON
FIFTH 10 Sixth and the air was reson
ant with applause as the horses were
escorted through. Several OF the en-
cines and hose carriages turned GU
and passed by the house OF the victor
giving cheers and congratulating th'
Water Witch by din Of whistles. i
was a victory o. which our neighbour
NAV we'll feel proud and all Whining
ton shares the triumph with them.