Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1926-12-24
Firehoase Opposed BY Bethesda
Area.

While two 400 gallon, triple combination
pumping fire engines stood out front wit h
their resounding motors vibrating notice
TO the world that Bethesda has taken
proud rank with other progressive com
munities having fire protection Of the first
rank, several hundred joyous residents
jammed the coy quarters.of the volunteer
fire department last Saturday night to
celebrate the formal opening Of the station.
The occasion. which was featured by
speeches from Walter johnson, Washing
tons veteran pitcher and a proud resident
Of Bethesda; Representative Frederick N.
Zihlman and Representative A. c. Shall
lenbereer, Of Nebraska. came as a fitting
climax to the months Of earnest effort on
the part Of the Bethesda areas most
prominent citizens in raising $4,000
necessary to make the model fire depart
ment reality.
Completion Of the fire department was
lauded by Mr.. Zihlman as an exception
ally worthwhile accomplishment for Be-
thesda, inasmuch as he declared that this
area. bordering as II does on the District
Of Columbia. must carry on the transfor-
nation planned through the execution of
the metropolitan area.
I'VE cannot afford to be dependent for
anything, Mr. Zihlman declared. THE City
OF Washington is having new birth. 1t
soon will be transformed city. The mil
lions Of dollars Of improvements are going
to be brought to Maryland's door and we
must not neglect the Maryland side.
81 want Maryland development to keep
pace as much as possible with the Washing
ton development and want to consratu-
late the Bethesda area citizens who have
given concrete evidence of their ability to
put over project Of the magnitude they
have in this instance"
Ezra Gould. vice president Of the board,
presided at the request Of Chairman W.
W. Bride, who, in a short talk. explained
to the audience that he was present over
tne protest OF MS physician.
Mr.. Gould lauded Oliver Owen Kuhni
president of the Montgomery County Civic
Federation, and Mr.. Bride as the two men
primarily responsible for the erection Of
the fire station.
Il feel would be remiss on this happy
occasion" said Mr.. Gould, "if I did not
remind you that. had it not been for the
untiring efforts of Mr.. Kuhn. in the early
stages of the drive for the fire department,
we WOULD not be here celebrating tonight.
Ii was his persistence and vision which
made this wonderful achievement possible.
Il also want to impress that, after Mr..
Kuhn was forced to retire from the presi-
dency of the fire board. due to the pressure
of his federation and interfederation duties
it was Mr.. Bride who stepped into the
breach and so ably finished the job"
Mr.. Bride in his few remarks stated that
while two fire companies of 80 men we're
in harness. as well as the engines and all
equipment, the job is not done. He stated
that contributions are still needed, and
urged all who have not pledged something
to the fund to do so at once.
Mr.. Shallenberger, of Nebraska, who made
an address, commended the community
spirit Of the Bethesda area. He declared
that all he had 10 do was to look at the
fire station to know that the finest sort Of
community spirit prevailed. He COM
mented on the fact that suburbs are more
fortunate than cities. in that suburbs never
fail to get the ablest of their population to
guide their destinies. something that is
impossible in cities.
Chief George Watson. of the Washing
ton Fire Department. made a talk, during
which he complimented the residents on
their apparatus and personnel. He said
it had been his pleasure to help the de-
partment in forming and in training the
volunteers, but he felt certain that, with
the excellent facilities they now possess.
he will not have to help them In fighting
a fire.
Walter johnson made a brief talk, in
which he declared that he was proud of
the new fire department, proud of the
men who put it over and proud that he
can call Bethesda his home.
Vice-President Gould read a letter from
Mr., Kuhn. in which the latter voiced his
keen disappointment in not being able to
be present.
81 thrill with you all. the letter said,
ION your successful accomplishment. The
opening Of the fire station is a distinct
tribute to the qualification Of new com
munity spirit. 1t represents community
sacrifice and the eradication OF sectional
jealousy. We must remember. however,
to keep going in the future. as we have 10
the past. shoulder to shoulder, always
keeping step and marching forward"
The evening was concluded with refresh
ments and dancing Myer Goldman's Of
CHI sstra furnished the music.