Middletown transcript. [volume] (Middletown, Del.) 1868-current, 1919-07-12
"FIREMENS. DAY..
Fourth Of July Appropriately
Observed In Middletown


STREET PARADE AND SPEECHES
Despite the tropical heat, the late
Fourth of July was made notable in
several ways in Middletown. 1t was .
real old time tFiremens day." Two
visiting fire companies paraded with
the local company. The Aetna Hose
Company of Newark, had IS men in
line, counting their Red Mems Band,
and the Citizens Hose Company Of
Smyrna. had 20 men-both companies
having their fine auto-chemical engines
recently purchased, and their iremen
attired in white trousers and blue coats.
The Volunteer Hose Company had
about two dozen men besides those
riding on the engine, which together
with the handsome, fire gilt new Chemi-
cal Fire Engine and other apparatus,
made splendid appearance. when pa
rading the streets accompanied by
guard of honor of some 20 automobiles
of the leading citizens of the town.
Large numbers of pleased citizens
porches, and at their windows, viewing
the fine spectacle which elected every
where many compliments.
The days program opened with the
first of the two ball games between the
Eden A. c., of Wilmington, and the
home team, a Spirited contest which
after IL innings showed tie of three
runs each.
After the parade the ceremony of
presenting the new Chemical Engine to
the Volunteer Hose Company, took
place on the Academy grounds, Mr..
Walter S. Letherbury, acting as
spokesman, and Mr. S. Edward Lewis
as Fire Chief. receiving the fine appara-
tus on behalf of the Volunteer Hose
Company.
The second game between the Will
mington and the home clubs was played
in the afternoon and resulted in big
victory for the latter of six to two.
At 4 O. clock Mr.. Daniel O. Hastings,
of Wilmington, delivered fine address
in the Academy yard, using the tonneau
of the new Chemical as platform.
The visiting firemen were lined and
feted at the Volunteer Hose Company
quarters, the ladies of the Volunteer
Cord dbany furnishing the delectable
'good things" and the Red Mems
Band, the pleasing musical concert
treat.
In the evening the new engine and
apparatus took spin down to Ceciton
similar visits will be made to each of
to the purchase of this new and most
highly efficient fire apparatus, whose
purchase is in many ways very wise
one. and reflects the greatest credit
upon those public spirited gentlemen
whose labors made it possible.
AliddletOWn never made wiser move
than when this auto chemical fire en-
CINE was bought. 1t not only will give
y far greater fire protection to the
town itself, and lover insurance rates,
but by sharing this fire protection bene-
fit with the surrounding towns and the
farming interests of the whole country
side, will greatly add to its prestige
and to it's commercial influence.
1t is fine chemical fire extinguisher,
representing the very latest ideas in
such apparatus, and is said to be the
largest chemical engine in the country
having three 40 gallon tanks where one
or at most two tanks are usually pro-
vided. Since gallon of this chemical
gas mixture is equal to so gallons of
simple water, these three tanks will
hav. the fire extinguishing power of
5000 gallons of water, and the third
tank makes it possible to keep two
streams going constantly at very high
pressure-up to 200 to 25O pounds or
more.
The chassis was made by the White
Company, and the fire engine proper by
the u. S. Apparatus Co., of Whining
III The total cost of the auto engine,
and the ladder truck is about $4,000.
The autos As horsepower will insure
it's prompt despatch to the various
towns and farms for miles around Mid
dletown. The Levy Court gives an
nualiy small sum and expects the
Volunteer Hose Co. to give fire pr0tec-
tion to all the towns and farms in the
County south of the canal.
The Chemical being trimmed in red
and black, and the metal parts nickled,
makes fine appearance. It is pro-
vided with every appliance needed to
put out fires. such as hose. portable
chemical extinguishers, axes, etc, and .
big ladder truck carrying three long
double extension ladders. and large
lantern with colored glass sides in
front.
The engine has seats for IL or more
firemen; has large bell and siren fire
horn and huge reflector amidships be-
sides two large gas ref1ectors in front
and two oil lamps. The hind wheels are
double rubber tires, those in front
single, both solid.
Both engine and truck are he ndsome-
ly marked with large ornamental letters
in gilt and colors-''Volunteer No. p
s.V. H. c." and on either side OF, the
seats in the rear of the engine,- big
block letters in gilt with double shading
in green, "Middletown; Del. -
Shortly after the Opera House fire, a
meeting was called and committee ap-
pointed to purchase an auto chemical
engine, Messrs. Eugene Shallcross,
chairman, Fred Brady. S. Edward
Lewis, Edward Ladley and Elias Shall.
cross. Mr.. Edward S. Jones was made
chairman with four members Of the
finance committee. and to bis energetic
efforts is chiefly due the credit of rals-
ing the funds to pay for the apparatus.
The following towns contributed to-
wards the purchase, Odessa, Townsend.