Annual Cortland Fire Department Parade

The Cortland News, Friday, September 25, 1885.

Annual Fire Department Parade.

   When daylight broke Wednesday morning the weather looked anything but propitious for the annual parade of the Cortland Fire Department. The rain descended in a steady drizzle, a cold wind was blowing from the north, and the fire laddies seemed to enjoy the society of their stoves much more than the prospect of tramping five or six miles through the muddy streets. As the forenoon advanced the rain gradually ceased and the wind dried up the mud to quite an extent, although they were very muddy when the time came for the line to form. The wind of the morning had increased to a gale before noon, and as it whistled around corners it caused unpleasant reminders of a coming winter.

   Croton Hose, of Owego, accompanied by the Tioga Center Band arrived in a special train on the E. C. & N., and Ocean Hose and Excelsior Band, of Greene, arrived on the morning train over the D., L. & W. road, and were marched to their quarters in Taylor Opera House, after which they spent their time until dinner in "doing" the town.

   At 2 o'clock the line was formed on Main street in the following order:— Cortland Protective Police; Tioga Center Band; Croton Hose, Owego; Excelsior Band, Greene; Ocean Hose, Greene; W. W. Engine Company; Steamer; Mechanic's Band,;Excelsior Hook and Ladder Co., Truck; Orris Hose, No. 2; Emerald Hose, No. 4; Cortland Fire Cadets.

   Owing to the muddy streets and unpropitious weather it was decided to cut out a portion of the line of march, but there was still enough left to satisfy all the participants, and some to spare. The Excelsior Band, of Greene, carried off the laurels as far as music is concerned and received hearty applause at different points along the line.

 

CORTLAND AND VICINITY.

   The bell has rung down on white and straw hats, and those who are unfortunate in not having the necessary wherewith to buy a new one should paint over the old one.

   From the constant "hello-hello!" over at the central office we are led to believe that the telephone is a great institution. But what knocks the Bell patent all out of time is a broad-gauge-mouthed woman at a knot hole in the back fence.

   An enraged bovine made things lively on Main street yesterday forenoon tor a few minutes. The animal finally became tired of the sport and went up West Court street and quietly commenced grazing, where he was finally captured.

   W. C. Davis, of McGrawville, a student in the Normal school was the successful person in the competitive examination at Syracuse last Saturday for the appointment to a West Point cadetship.

   The Pioneer rink [Orchard Street roller-skating rink re-opened—CC editor] was opened Tuesday night by Brigden & Green. Notwithstanding the inclement weather about 150 persons took advantage of the occasion to enjoy the evening's sport. The new proprietors are young men of this place who by catering to the wants of their patrons, hope to receive a liberal support.

   A horse attached to one of Stoppard’s delivery wagons, made it extremely lively for a few minutes Tuesday afternoon by running away. The horse came out of the alleyway between Wright's shoe store and the NEWS office [18 North Main Street—CC editor] and attempted to turn up Main street, but the gait was too lively and the wagon was completely upset and the horse thrown, in which condition he was caught. The only damage was a slightly broken harness.

   The electric lights were turned on for the first time Saturday night for the purpose of testing them. The circuit was found to be all right and everything worked satisfactorily. The lamps, as now placed, are a great improvement over gas, as it is not necessary to carry a lantern to determine if they are burning. One thing, however, those situated on Main street should be elevated as much as possible in order that they throw the light the greatest distance.

   Alf. F. Miaco's Humpty Dumpty troupe who are to play in the Cortland Opera House October 1, 2, and 3 are probably the best of the kind now on the road. It is unnecessary to say anything in regard to their ability as they will be remembered as having played here last spring. Mr. Miaco holds a medal given by Tony Denier for the best clown traveling. They should meet with a crowded house.

 

General Term Decisions.

   In the matter of the attempt to disbar Michael McCarthy, an attorney at law. This was an effort on the part of Franklin Pierce, of Homer, to procure the disbarment of Mr. McCarthy and to prevent his further practice as an attorney. The case has awakened much interest among the members of the bar both in this and Onondaga county. Mr. McCarthy studied law with Judge Duell and is well and favorably known in this county, where he was born and reared. Nearly every member of the bar except those engaged in the effort to remove him felt a lively interest in the case in favor of the accused and considered the prosecution a mere persecution. The evidence taken before Judge Northrup, of Syracuse makes a larger volume. The General Term dismisses the charge, refuses to remove Mr. McCarthy or even to refer the case back to the referee to take further proof. It is a complete vindication of Mr. McCarthy and defeat of those who sought to remove him. Franklin Pierce attorney and prosecutor, M. A. Knapp, J. E. Eggleston, and John Courtney, Jr., for Mr. McCarthy.