The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-01-27
Firemen's Biennial
 Ball Next F riday
Elaborate Social Function to Be Sponsored By Aid Association in Armory; Fire Marshal ReminsCes

Fire Dept. held at the old city hall on Friday evening, Jan. 17, 1873, flor which your company, with ladies is respectfully solicited"
 And what ball!
 Regiment Band
 The music was supplied by the Seventh regiment band of New York; the prompter was Frank Vaughn of Providence. Tickets of admission, even then, cost three dol lars the same price as charged to- day. The crowds were 50 large in those days that the doors of the hall were open to the people at G. p. m. The concert began ct 7:30. Free carriages in attendance at six o'clock, the program announced There were four volunteer com- panies at that time, Phoenix Hose Company, No. l, Citizen Eng Co.,, No. 3, Monitor hose Company, No.3, and Mutual Hook and Ladder O., No. l. Some volunteers fire conl- panies were established as follows, Protector hose Go. No. {, in Brook lyn district, Rose Hill hose company No. s in the Abrigador, and Brass City Hose O., No. 6 in the East End.
 And the program further an- nounced that supper would be held in the fashionable Scoyill House di- rectly east of the city hall, with Q platform erected for the occasion, whereby 1t was possible to enter the hotel without going to the outside. So you can SC the Flremen's Ball is no stranger to Waterbury. The Police Dept. never had a ball until about 30 years ago. After that Dept. inaugurated the custom, the police conducts It's affairs one year and the firemen the next year.
 Firemen Anxious
 The firemen are anxious for swell" ball this year. They have devoted much time and energy to the project, and their one desire seems to he to surpass anything ever before attempted. If they can do this, they will be wonders, be- cause those of the past few years, especially, have been classed as ex- ceptional affairs.
 The interest displayed in the corn- ing ball by the young people of the city is proved by the query of Q pretty, bright eyed office girl when she sought information as to whet- her her boy friend would be allow ed on the floor without evening dress,
 Absolutely, no, twas the com- mittees answer. "The Firemen's ball Is strictly an evening dress and military function. The bars have been let down before by allowing people in boxes without evening at- tire, but this will not be permitted this year." the committee added.
 The floor show will start early, so that everything will be cleared for the grand march at the regular hour. The Mayor will lead, with the Chief, following. Then will come De- putty Chief, and the president and his committee. If the practice Of the past is followed, there won't be a corner or nook in the big drill shed that will be missed. The march. es before have lasted around half an hour. but by clever naneuvering on the ,,art of the Professor. of Dancing" who will direct the affair, 1t shouldn't tale over an extra hour to perform tho various stunts" that are in his mind for the coming ball; a grand march to a string orchestra generally tires out the musicians; that's the reason brass bands were hired for this purpose in the olden days.
 Big Night
 At any rate, the ball is gradually on its way. The Firemen expect a big night. a bic time, plenty of fun, and n erriment, with good will and friendless toward all. We feel the right to dance, make merry and enjoy ourselves at least once every four years, no matter whether we are battle scared vet- erans, or young in the service ot the department.
 It's a privilege all of us intend to make the most of when the zero hour arrives.
 Until that time, keep She old flFss burning, but be sure and be care- full the furnace or range nre does ] not get beyond your control.