Evening journal., 1919-06-03
BILL TODD HAS
TIME OF HIS LIFE
City Firemen Parade and
Cheer When Old Friend
Comes 10 Town
is DINNER GUEST
AT DUPONT TO-DAY

William II. Todd. millionaire ship
Tard owner OF Brooklyn. and member
Of The Reliance Fire Company, Of this
city. who lefl this city a number Of
years ago as shipyard worker 10
seek his fortune IN other fields. return
cd last night for a two days yisit and
was accorded a welcome. such the
like Of which was never before ac-
corded a private citizen OF Wilmington.
Mr.. Todd arrived herN at 613 O'Clock
and for nearly two hours ne was hon
ored by one thousand firemcn, who
not only held a street parade in his
honor, but gave a reception at each
of the twelve fire houses in his honor
Mr.. Todd was greeted at French
street station by 20 firemen Of the Re
lance Company. a band OF music. rep
resentatiyes OF the other fire companies
and a number Of fire apparatus. Those
firemen with their apparatus, who did
not parade. lined themselves along
Market street and welcomed the visitor
with the changing Of the flre bells and
the footing OF whistles.
street TO Market street 10 Eleventh
street. 10 King street. TO Tenth street
10 Market street. TO Fourth street and
10 the Reliance Company's house.
At the fire house the parade dis
pcTsed and Mr. Todd was taken in an
engine on a tour OF several of the city
fire houses. on his return a supper
Nas served at the Reliance Hall, which
Nas attended by Mayor Lawson and
,early 100 flremen. The guests included
former Chief John Byrne, OF the Brook
lyn Volunteer Fire Company; Herbert
Todd and w II. Smith. son and son
in-law Of Mr.. Todd. both in the United
states Navy; William II. Raab, OF
Brooklyn: 4. q. Herman Grier, Fire
Chief Hyndman and F. d. McGrsRHary,
president OF the Reliance Company.
An address Of welcome was delivered
ly Mayor Lawson. followed by short
speeches from the other guests. The
liable was decorated with flowers and
an orchestra played during the evening.
Mayor Lawson expressed the pleasure
Of the company at the presence OF Mr.. /
Todd, who ne hoped to meet frequently
in the future lie invited him 10 make
g closer acquaintance with Wilmington /
and spoke Of the many changes and i'm ,
nroyements which have taken place /
here since Mr.. Todd left for Brooklyn. I
Mr.. Byrne. chief Of the Brooklyn 1
Fire Department, spoke I'm glowing
terms Of the work performed by Mr.. f.
Todd i'm New York and particularly OF
ne services he has performed for his
0rmer associates. lie gave some in
eresting "reminiscences OF earlier days
Wilmington and Brooklyn. and spoke !
feclingly OF the few surviving members
OF the volunteer workers with whom /.
he served I'm the past. His address was
heartily applauded.
A eulogy on the guest Of the evening
was delivered by William NJ. Connolly,
who spoke for an those present in .
extending 10 Mr.. Todd The good wishes l
and admiration Of the Wilmington /
iremen.
success and prosperity" he said,
often turn a mans mind toward social |
ambition TO such an extent that 10
-cmOves him far beyond the pale OF
association with any OF his former
friends and associates. Wealth and in
nuence are apt 20 breed domineering
;pirit and cultivate a spirit Of egctism
In man that places him on a social
pedestal so high in his own estimation
that il Is impossible TO get in human
touch with him.
yet we have here tonight a regular
fellow o man who has accomplished
success. accumulated a fortune aud at
iaincd his ambitions. a man TO whom (
financial success has been a blessing
and Who looks upon money as a good
thing TO make. but a better thing TO
spend.
"A business wizard. a captain OF in
dus.ry. a genius OF energy OF such
rnagnitude that it seems almost I'M
-,l--ible for a man 10 have risen so
IN In the financial world in so short
ne. Only a few years ago several
y : oiled with him in the local ship
--ryls. Others OF US worked side by
I with him i'm the Erie Basin and
"a r some OF us labored with him in
.e earlier stages OF his successful ca
sc- when he was just beginning to
WI his spurs At that time he went
.. far as 10 coax some OF us TO stay
u him and rise with him in the am
ions light which fate destined he
.,pst take alone. on his shoulders
-angs his rc--.-q-1. the mantle OF sue !
IS.
80 this plain democrS ic citizen and
ncmoer Of the Reliance Fire Company.
/ take this opportunity in behalf OF
The Wilmington Volunteer Fire De
,artment OF welcoming you into our
midst and to say that we appreciate
your presence"
Mr.. Connelly's speech was heartily !
spplauded, and the guests rendered Mr..
Todd an enthusiatic ovation.
Mr.. Cross was POSTMASTER. Other (
addresses were made by the presidents
o. the twelve Wilmington Fire Com ;