The Celebration

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The Celebration.

Yesterday was to have been a red-letter day in the history of Brooklyn. For weeks past preparation had been making for a grand celebration, in honor of the introduction of water into the city. No hint, not the slightest, had been given that in any possible concurrence of circumstances or state of the weather there would be a postponement. The day and evening before were murky and rainy, and the time of year, of itself, made fair weather improbable; but the faith of the committee in their power to effect a suspension of the laws of nature, seemed never to waver, and yesterday morning the booming of artillery the tramp of the military, and the gathering of the firemen indicated in spite of the rain, the determination of the authorities to go through with the demonstration. Accordingly being anxious to give our employees the chance of participating in the turn-out of the various companies and associations to which they belonged, we put the paper to press with Mr. Underhill's¹ oration in it, and also some editorial remarks, in which the procession was treated as fait accompli and comments on it were made.

On arriving at the City Hall we found the Board in session, debating the question of postponement in consequence of the weather. Finally they concluded to issue the following:

The ceremonies and procession are postponed until to morrow, when the programme will be the same as arranged for to-day.

The Committee on Celebration will remain in session in the Common Council chamber during the day.

Visiting delegations from other cities will report themselves to the Committee, who will provide for their accommodation.

The Common Council will meet at three o'clock this afternoon. By order.

JOHN McNAMEE, Chairman Special Committee. WEDNESDAY, April 27, 1859.

This announcement was followed by an order from the Grand Marshal dismissing those companies that had already formed in line. The firemen quietly "took up," and wended their way to the different houses, and the military followed suit in pursuance of the following orders:

HEADQUARTERS 5TH BRIGADE, 2D DIVISION N. Y. S. M.,

BROOKLYN, April 27, 1859}

ORDER NO. 8—In consequence of the inclemency of the weather, the parade ordered for this day it postponed until Thursday, the 28th inst., at the same time and place. Should the weather be unpleasant, the parade will take place the first fair day thereafter.

By order of Philip S. Crooke, Brigadier General.

W. M. R. BREWSTER, Brigade Inspector.

Colonels Graham and Smith issued similar regimental orders.

All the morning, guests and carriages continued to pour into the City Hall, and what to do with them the Aldermen could not conceive. At last an impromptu excursion to the Pump-well was resolved on. The following were among the guests who went out:

HARTFORD, CONN.—Mayor Allen and Aldermen Eaton and Benton; Councilmen Rockwell, Maine, Koonse, Burt, White, Ovward, Stetson, Sizer, Barber, Brown, Sheldon, Spencer, Butler, Mandenia, Marsh, Hollister, Church, Jewett, Francis, Seymour, White, Kennedy, Lord.

PHILADELPHIA.—Select Committee—Messrs. Cornman, Leida, Loughlin, Narman, Leisenring, Read, Ford, Foster, Bradford, Parker, McIntyre, Thompson, Fongcray. Common Council—Balloch, Clase, Cattell, Day, Dennis, Dickinson, Euzaw, Fish, Gillingham, Gordon, Haas, Gamble, Heins, Holmes, Hubert, McDonough, Small, Harding, Kerrey, Marcha, Megary, Miller, Mingle, Meyer, Potter, Pugh, Savage, Shack, Simons, Stulling, Thompson, Walsh, Wildey, Wright, Wagner, Nippes. Water Department—Birkenbein, White, Moore, Barond, City Comptroller, J. N. Dutton. Highway Department, J. S. Rittenhouse. City Commissioner, E. R. Williams. Health Officer, Arthur Hughes.

NEW HAVEN—Aldermen—H. S. Dawson, Mayer pro tem., Cook and Munson. Councilmen—Candee, Yale, Peck, Stout, Spencer, Stevens, Jr., Shepherd, Maher, Hicks, Hayes.

There were also some fifty prominent officials of this city. The strangers were take first to the pump-well, (some of them, however, passing the Bedford avenue fountain on their way). The Philadelphians "allowed" that their city was ahead of Brooklyn in every other respect, but that it could not boast so noble and handsome a fountain as the one in Bedford avenue.

The engine was in full work, pumping up 6000 gallons per minute, and all were struck with admiration at the great energy and nicety with which the work was performed, hardly any noise being made, the machinery working without a jar or strain of the slightest kind.

After a full inspection of the engine house, pump-well, boilers, &c., the party drove to and around the reservoir, and thence to Snedeker's where a dinner was provided and partaken of by about 200 guests. The various tables were presided over by sheriff Remsen, Judge Morris, Hon. E. W. Fiske, and Supt. John J. White, Ald. Huntley, and ex-Ald. Bannon acting as vice-chairmen. Speeches were made after dinner in reply to various toasts in honor of the guests, proposed by the city men, and in honor of the city and the water works proposed by the visitors. Among the speakers were Judge Morris, Ald. Huntley, Hon. John Winslow, Auditor Northup, Col. Graham, Hon. E. W. Fiske, Mr. Norman of Philadelphia, Ald. Wickware, of Jersey City &c.

The Common Council held a second meeting in the afternoon of the day. when it was resolved that all extra expenses occasioned by the postponement should be defrayed by the city. On this assurance the various parties entertaining guests were very willing to retain them.

During the entire day flags were pending from the verious engine houses and public buildings and almost before daylight, members of the fire department, military aad​ the various bands were abroad, dressed in their uniform, congregating around or wending their way to the various rendervous. As early as seven o'clock, several of the visiting fire companies arrived in this district and were received by the various companies who had tendered then the invitation.

When the announcement went forth that all was postponed, a feeling of disappointment made itself visible upon the face of all. As a general thing it was taken good naturedly, although there was some growling that the clerk of the weather allowed it to rain when all the good people had so set themselves for a general holiday.

The detachment of police from New York numbering some 259 men came over in the morning at 9 o'clock, to the Western District and proceeded at once to the City Hall. Another detachment of two hundred and fifty men came over to the Eastern District and were received in South 7th street by drill serjeant​ Allen and Inspector Woglom after which they returned to New York.

At an early hour in the morning, Engine Co. No. 13 of this District, proceeded to New York, for the purpose of procuring a new steam fire engine, built expressly for them by Messrs. Taylor & Campbell, 9, 11, and 13, Adams st.

On their returning, they were received on this side by Engine Companies Nos. 4, 8, and a sprinkling of members from other companies, who were in waiting at Peck Slip Ferry, when they marched through several of the principal streets.

No. 3, of this district, also paraded a steam engine. It was drawn by horses, and appeared to be a fine machine. It was built at Seneca Falls, N. Y., and has been loaned No. 3.

Not the least interesting of the events of yesterday was a serenade given by the Troy Band (engaged by the erectors of the triumphal arch,) to the Water Commissioners last evening. Mr. Wall, Capt. Driggs, Ald. Scholee, and Mr. Sparkman were severally honored by a disturbance of their night's rest by the strains of this excellent band.

After the parade, Hook and Ladder Company No. 3, with the Board of Fire Commiss'rs and a few invited guests, went to the Odeon and partook of a bounteous collation. Shelton's brass band and the drum corps of the 71st Regiment N. Y., discoursed their elegant music and made the Odeon ring with their 26 pieces. After all had ate and drank their fill speeches were made by Alderman Strong and others, and the Company separated. During the parade, this Company were so unfortunate as to lose a beautiful portion of the decorations on the truck, consisting of a splendid hydrant, surmounted by a large gilt spread eagle, holding in its mouth a handsome wreath and a picture of "Young America," the latter the gift of the lady of their foreman, Mr. Paige.

Engine Co. No. 7 have provided their guests, No. 6 of Hartford, with accommodations at the Odeon, and the company will not leave until this evening. After the parade yesterday afternoon, the Companies had a supper at the Odeon, and good cheer and conviviality reigned supreme. Speeches were made, toasts drank, and everything went off with perfect eclat. The Fire Commissioners of this district were present, as well as several prominent citizens of this vicinity. Mr. D. Donevan presided at the table. In response to a toast of the Fire Commissioners of the Eastern District, Ald. Demas Strong, made a neat and very appropriate little speech. He referred to Connecticut as his native state, and paid a well-deserved compliment to the visiting Company, the winners of the Charter Oak trumpet. During the evening, a committee from Continental Hose Co. No. 6 presented the foreman of the above visiting company with a handsomely ornamented front and belt. This morning they were bountifully entertained by the proprietor of the Odeon.

One fellow purporting to be a Rooster No. 1 tried to get in, but he was treated to boot leather in such a manner as to be a terror to all "Suckers" of a like kind. He could not have been a "Rooster" for they are are all good honest fellows.

Engine Company No. 3 went to Columbian Hall with their guests, Engine Company No. 2 of Hartford, where a collation was partaken of and a good time had in general.

Quite a crowd assembled at the City Hall to witness the proceedings, all expectant, and hopeful of better weather. The rain falling in such torrents rendering umbrellas indispensable, gave the park in front of it the appearance of an umbrella convention, or a city of black mushrooms.

The Firemen of this district, with their proverbial indifference to weather, were bound to have their parade, and accordingly it was arranged by a majority of the companies that they should start at one o'clock. The line formed on South Second street, right resting on Fourth, and started off in the following order:—

Band.

Neptune Engine Company No. 6 of New Haven, Jas. W. Madden foreman, 60 men. This Company were the guests of No. 7 of this district.

D. D. Tompkins Engine Company No. 5 of Tompkinsville, Staten Island, Dominick Reagan Foreman, 75 men. This Company were the guests of Engine Company No. 9.

Lady Washington Engine Company No. 1 of Morrisania, Jas. Campbell, Foreman, 40 men. This Company were the guests of Hook and Ladder No. 2.

Marion Hose Company No. 1—William H. Lawrence Foreman with a full company numbering 30.

Protection Engine Co. No 2, of Astoria, John Whithead foreman, 69 men. This company was the guest of No. 3.

Lady Washington Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, Samuel T. Maddox foreman. This Company turned out 100 men, and made a fine appearance. On the front of the Truck was a small Hook and Ladder, fronted by a handsomely painted shield. Preceding these were about 25 stalwart follows bearing axes.

Whitworth's Band.

Protection Engine Co. No. 2 James T Savage, Foreman, 75 men.

Steam Fire Engine, Good Intent, No. 3, drawn by six splendid horses, fires lit, two stokers in blue shirts standing on platform at back of Engine.

Cassir's Band

Good Intent Engine Co. No. 3, drawing their hand Engine, Henry S. Scriven, Foreman, 100 men.

Atlantic Hose Co. No. 2, George H. Lindsay, Foreman, 30 men. Their Hose Carriage had the motto "Swamp Fox" upon it.

Washington Brass Band,

dressed in Fireman's suit, excepting hat.

Engine Co. No. 4, Ralph Kirkman, Foreman, 100 men. The air chamber of this Engine was decorated with a huge plume, consisting of beaver's tails.

Meyer's Band.

Eagle Engine Co. No. 6, John Jeffers foreman, 55 men. This engine, which is of the Hunneman build, appears to have been newly painted and looked remarkably well.

Adkins Band, dressed in a kind of semi naval uniform

Friendship Hose Co. No. 3, John W. Smith foreman for the day, in the absence of George H. Bennett, 50 men.

Bayer's Band.

Neptune Engine Co. No. 7, J. Brown foreman, and 100 men. Attached to this engine were four horses between the two lines of men on the rope. The air barrel was also decorated with a streamer.

Putnam Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2, George Covert foreman, 30 men. A dilapidated-looking fiddler, who appeared to have his head wrapped up in an American flag, was seated on the front of this truck, scraping away industriously, but "nary" sound was to be heard.

Myer's Band.

Engine Co. No. 9, G. W. Tonkins, foreman, 75 men. Inside the rope of this engine was a small engine, drawn by a number of juvenile firemen. Both big and little engines carried handsome plumes.

Robertson's Band

Zephyr Steam Fire Englne, drawn by eight horses, followed by a tender containing two young Zephyrs. This machine appears to be the handiest and the simplest, as it certainly is the handsomest, of any of the steam fire engines that have been seen in this vicinity.

Zephyr Hose Co. No. 4, with their handsomely ornamented carriage. T. H. Browning, foreman, 35 men.

Red Jacket Engine Co., No. 10, Owen Dennin, foreman, 100 men. This engine was finely decorated with flowers and wreaths. The leader jacket appeared to be a tiger's skin.

Metamora Hose Co., No. 5 L. A. Whitehill, foreman.

Shelton's Band.

Young America Hook and Ladder Co, No. 3., Asa G. Paige, foreman, 50 men. Attached to this truck were five horses, belonging to Silas C. Herring, the safe manufacturer, which certainly took down anything in the way of horseflesh in the line. The Band which preceded this company was also superior to any of the others. It consisted of twenty-six pieces, and was accompanied by the drum corps of the 71st regiment. The horses were driven without reins, guided merely by voice and whistle, the effects of their careful training by their driver, Mr. White, whose own fair proportions distracted by no means from those of his noble team.

Turl's Williamsburgh Brass Band.

Friendship Engine Company No. 12, Geo. A. Frost Foreman, 75 men.

Continental Hose Company No. 6, A. Wessels Foreman, 24 men. This is a Bucket Company, and has been changed into a hose company, since the water was first introduced. The appeared in their blue shirts.

Ridgewood Hose No. 7 of Greenpoint, Chas Kiliot foreman, 30 men. This Company has but lately been organised, and has already reached a high state of efficiency.

Preceding each Company were the officers and chance visitors, arm in arm.

The procession paraded through 4th street to South 6th, South 6th to 8th to South 4th, South Fourth to Meserole street, Meserole to Graham avenue, Graham avenue to Grand, Grand to Ewen, Ewen to North 2d, North 2d to Lorimer, Lorimer to Grand, Grand to 6th, 6th to North 6th, North 6th to Second, 2d to South 9th, South 9th to 6th, 9th to Bedford avenue, Bedford avenue to Myrtle avenue, Myrtle avenue and around City Hall to Joralomon street, Joralomon to Henry, Henry to Sands, Sands to DeKalb avenue, DeKalb avenue to Kent avenue, Kent avenue to South 7th street, and up to Firemen's Hall and dismiss.

Hamilton Allen, the Chief Engineer, officiated as Marshal, aided by the Assistants of the Department.

Just previous to the starting of the procession, a half-dozen roughs got into a free fight on the corner of South 2d and 4th streets. The police soon put an end to the difficulty, and no arrests were made.

At the corner of South 6th and Eighth street, two of the horses attached to Steam Engine No. 3 fell down, causing some confusion, but no one was hurt.

The firemen of the Western District also, were not to be kept aback by any such alight consideration as a rain storm, and accordingly the following Western District-Companies, having their guests under escort, marched down Fulton street to the Ferry, up Henry street, through Atlantic to Court street, where each entertaining company took a different direction.

Brooklyn Engine Co. No. 17, having in charge Lafayette Engine Company of Newark, N. J., with 45 members and Rubson's Band of 18 pieces. Their engine is of the second-class Philadelphia pattern, which they were unable to bring along, bringing the hose carriage instead.

Atlantic Hose Co. No. 1 and Franklin Engine Co. No. 3, escorting Union Engine Co. No. 1 of Trenton, N. J., H. J. Disbrow, Foreman. This is the oldest Fire Company in the United States, having been organized in 1747. Being unable to stay, they were to start for Rahway last evening, and proceed to Trenton next morning.

Lafayette Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 escorted Enterprise Hook and Ladder Co. No. 2, of Stapleton, Staten Island.

Constitution Engine Co. No. 7 escorted Engine Co. No. 6 of Newark, No. 3, and Red Jacket Engine Co. No. 4 of Elisabeth City.

Jackson Engine Co. No. 11 had in charge a delegation of Engine Co. No 2, of Stonington, Conn.

Eagle Engine Co. No. 4 escorted Franklin Engine Co. No. 4 of New Haven.

Mount Prospect Engine Co. No. 16 had in charge Hercules Engine Co. No. 3 of Jersey City, with Tender, followed by Putnam Engine Co. No. 21 of Brooklyn.

Nearly every company was preceded by a band of music, and the whole presented a very fine appearance. The Assistant Engineers marched in front of the procession.

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