Marked by features that are of much interest to the volunteer flame-fighters of Reading, the Firemen's Union held its annual meeting in Common Council chamber. The place was crowded.
The session was called to order by the faithful Secretary, J. Lawrence Noll, a member of the Washington Company. John Gallagher, of the Hampden, was made temporary Chairman.
The credentials of the 65 delegates elected at the January company meetings were read and the representatives seated. The list follows:
Rainbow -- Charles A. Levan, Andrew F. Baer, William Nye, Charles Troelsch and Charles Hoffa.
Junior -- Howard A. Weber, Samuel J. Hawk, William N. Brison, Charles Young and D.C. Collins.
Reading Hose -- M. Luther Mason, Alfred Miles, Charles J. Becker, Peter G. Hoch and W. Wayne Weber.
Neversink -- J. George Goelz, Chas H. Ehman, Francis C. Clemson, Chas. A. Cole and Charles M. Stoner.
Friendship -- William Schaeffer, Warren G. Royer, Francis C. Eisenbise, William J. Eppinger and B. Frank Harper.
Liberty -- G.A. Stegeman, Mich'l J. Flemming, Daniel F. Herbine, John Hell and George F. Bingaman.
Washington -- Arthur Larkin, Luther Seiders, J. Lawrence Noll, Paul Noll and James Ferguson.
Keystone -- John B. Krebs, George Grepps, William Baum, William W. Wunder and Charles Diefenderfer.
Hampden -- Sydenham E. Ancona, John Gallagher, Alfred Gunkel, Geo. Leightham and Joseph A. Vogel.
Marion -- John F. Lash, Howard Hemmig, Joseph Rheinwald, Henry A. Schmeck and Charles F. Suender.
Riverside -- Matthias B. Speicher, John Moser, William B. Moser, Geo. O. Mee, Walter S. Frees.
Schuylkill -- Henry S. Heath, Lewis J. Feiger, John Mauger, Jacob N. Fidler, George H. Yoe.
Union -- Harry Koch, Jacob Green, George Beyerle, Wm. C. Fry, Fred Rollman.
These officers were unanimously elected: President, Michael J. Flemming, of the Liberty, who was advanced from Vice President; Vice President, M. Luther Mason, of the Reading Hose; Secretary and Treasurer, A. Lawrence Noll, of the Washington. The latter was chosen for the fourth successive term. He is one of the best officials in those important capacities the Union has ever had.
President Flemming made a stirring inaugural address, which provoked great cheering.
He spoke of the immediate necessities of the fire department, including a hook and ladder truck for the northeastern section of the city; a combination wagon for the Reading Hose, and a new engine for the Liberty.
Mr. Flemming asserted that the volunteer firemen were a bigger advertisement for Reading than any other body of this city, and fervently concluded: "The day of the volunteer may be rapidly passing, but as long as the system lasts he will never give any but the best service of which he is capable. I don't know how far off his end is here, but in the meantime he will continue in valorous deeds and noble performance of duty as he has in the past."
President Flemming announced this standing committee:
Grievance -- Chas. Troelsch, Rainbow; Howard A. Weber; Junior; Charles M. Stoner, Neversink; Wm. Schaeffer, Friendship; George F. Bingaman, Liberty; James Ferguson, Washington; William Baum, Keystone; George Leightham, Hampden; Joseph Rheinwald, Marion; John Moser, Riverside; George H. Yoe, Schuylkill, and Jacob Green, Union.
The Chair named this Board of Trustees: Andrew F. Baer, Rainbow; Charles Young, Junior; Alfred Miles, Reading Hose; Charles H. Ehman, Neversink; William J. Eppinger, Friendship; John Held, Liberty; Paul Noll, Washington; George Grepps, Keystone; George W. Vogel, Hampden; Howard Hemmig, Marion; George O. Mee, Riverside; Henry S. Heath, Schuylkill, and Harry Koch, Union.
The report of the Chief Miller, for from Dec. 17 to Jan 15, showed two bell and 10 still alarms; $470 personal loss and $578 real estate loss. He also submitted his annual report. The figures have been published.
On motion of Henry A. Schmeck of the Marion, the officers were appointed a committee to arrange for the yearly memorial service. Action was preceded by a discussion on the expense of the affair. It was still the opinion that the Firemen's Relief Association should bear the latter, as it has large cash assets. Last Sunday would have been the regular time for the service. It may not take place before the latter part of February.
On motion of M. Luther Mason, of the Reading Hose, the Secretary was directed to notify the Chief and Assistants to attend all future meetings of the union. Their presence is desired, so that they can inform and advise when important matters come up. The subject was discussed at length before the motion was put.
Charles M. Barnes, of the Anchor Packing Company, Philadelphia, who has been visiting this city in the interests of the firm for a number of years, met with an accident which may confine him to the house for several weeks. While near his home in Allentown he slipped on an icy sidewalk and fell heavily, bruising a hip and fracturing his left ankle. Mr. Barnes spends 10 days of each month in this city. He is one of the best known traveling salesmen who comes to this city.
Misses Elizabethb and Dora McKnight, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. John R. McKnight, 510 Greenwich street, will entertain the 500 Club at their home this evening. The guests: Miss Dorothy Boyer, Miss Mabel Croll, Miss Amy Croll, Miss Elizabeth McKnight, Miss Dora McKnight, Frederick Eisenbrown, Lee Filbert, John Filbert and Joseph James.
A girl about eight years old, with neither gloves, hat, nor coat, and her shoes not more than strips of leather, sought shelter within the storm doors of the Merchants Hotel late Monday night. A big-hearted travelling salesman found her sitting there on the stone step of the door, asleep and nearly frozen. A small basket, containing scraps of meat and bread which she had evidently begged, was lying beside her.
The salesman questioned her. She jumped up frightened and ran into the street. Timidly she stopped upon hearing his kind words. He asked questions about her home and so on, but she would say nothing. Finally he persuaded her to go with him to a nearby restaurant, where he bought her food. She ate shyly but heartily.
The proprietor of the restaurant gave her a large basket of the best things he had. The salesman started a collection with a generous contribution from himself. Suitable clothing was found for the little girl after which she backed into the street smiling, but still refusing to tell the location of her home or allowing any one to accompany her.
House Officers McGovern and Hallissey arrested John Root, aged 27, at his home in the southern section of the city, on a charge of petty larceny. The officers allege that Root peddles medicine and sold a bottle to Mrs. H.A. Heffelfinger, living on Hamilton street, for 15 cents. They declare that she gave him a dollar bill, that he said he had to get change, and that he never came back. The officers stated they stationed themselves at the front and rear doors of Root's home, and that when the accused attempted to escape by the rear he ran into Hallisey's arms. The prisoner was locked up. He said he intended to return the change. Mrs. Heffelfinger left for Alderman Yarnell's office to swear out a warrant.
The annual meeting of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company was held at the city office, 520 Washington street, when General Gregg was re-elected President; Louis Richards, Secretary and Treasurer and John A. Hepler, Superintendent.
William Seyfert was chosen as a member of the Board of Trustees to succeed William D. Smith, who died during the last year.
The annual banquet followed the session, and was served at the Mansion House.
Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Stauffer, 1630 Mineral Spring road, are receiving congratulations upon the birth of a son. He has been named Randolph Stauffer, jr. Mrs. Stauffer was formerly Miss Frances Dice, daughter of General Manager A.T. Dice, of the Reading Railway.
Submitted by: Nancy.
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