The statewide Firefighters Convention held in Covington in 1911 was a big deal. Click on the images to make them larger.
Text of above article:
FIREMEN'S CONVENTION
Now in Session at Courthouse, Convention Hall.
Program and Routes of the Parades to Take Place.
List of Delegates Registered Up to Noon of Friday.
Hon. Robert C. Wickliffe Telegraphs Good Wishes.
Yesterday brought many from their beds at an earlier hour than usual in preparation for the reception of the firemen and their friends. Unfinished and delayed decorations were put in place and many minor detail's of the last moment called for hurried execution. The reception committee waited upon the incoming visitors on the morning trains and badges were distributed to the delegates and visiting guests.
The bureau of information promised to be useful adjunct to the preparations for the convenience of guests, but it evidently was not found by the visitors who were looking for 'the post office.'
The following delegates had registered up to the time we go to press: Wm. Holmes. (Old Bill), Bogalusa; L. B. LeBlanc, H. C. Ende, Asst. Chief John Dupuy. Adolph Dupuy, Jr., Chief J. A. Hebert, Jr., Plaquemine; Secretary Wm. J. Klein-peter, James J. Hoek, R. L. Maners. R. R. Stone, Gretna; Asst. Chief R.I. Munch, L. C. Schneider, Clinton Ayo, Geo. A. Toups, Men P. Sposito. Chas. A. Labit, F. H. Gaudet, J. Hoffman. Thibodaux; Chief R. Neff, Alexander; President J. B. Heaney. New Orleans: J. I. Hebert, A. S. Brown, D. Mizzi, Gilbert Kahn, Opelousas; D. W. Volt, Hammond; Robert White, New Orleans; C. M. Compton, P. Broussard, New Iberia; Chas. Lowe, R. A. Theft, Franklin; F. Mouton. E. Mouisset, Dr. G. A. Martin. Louis Chaupin, Wm. Graser, F. H. Moulton, A. H. Sauevoie, Lafayette.
We go to press before the opening of the convention, but the following program was mapped out:
FRIDAY. MAY 26.
8:30 A. M. —Reception committee will assemble to meet all trains bearing visitors, firemen and delegates.
10:30 A. M.—The guests, officers, delegates and members will assemble at courthouse for the opening of the convention, which will be called to order by President J. B. Heaney.
11 A. M.—Invocation by Rev. Father Jos. Koegerl of St. Peter's Catholic Church. Address of welcome on behalf of town of Covington Dr. F. G. Marrerro, Mayor of Covington. Address on behalf of the local tire department. N. H. FitzSimons, president Covington Firemen's Association. Response by President J. B. Heaney and delegates of State Association. Benediction, Rev. J. M. Williams. pastor Presbyterian church. Music by Second Regiment band of New Orleans.
2:30 P. M.—All delegates will assemble in the convention hall, the parish courthouse, where the regular order of business will be taken up.
8 P. M.—Entertainment. All delegates and firemen will assemble at the Air-Dome to attend a special Vaudeville performance, complimentary to the state firemen.
SATURDAY. MAY 27.
8:30. A. M.—Reception Committee will meet all trains bearing visiting firemen.
10 A. M.—Convention called to order ln convention hall, parish courthouse. Invocation, Rev. H. A. Rennie, pastor of Christ's Episcopal church.
Following topics are assigned for Saturday:
"Should not the insurance companies show a more fraternal friendship to the firemen of our state?" Harold A. Moise, New Orleans.
"Do the fire departments give protection other than from fire losses?" Chief Wm. Holmes, Bogalusa. La.
"What is the most important protection in a town, a police department or a fire department? How can a town be made to provide for a volunteer fire department the same as a police department?" Home Fire Company, Lafayette.
"What relation should exist between the paid firemen and the volunteers? Is the State Firemen's Association a benefit to the firemen? How can a pension be provided to protect out firemen?" Independent Fire Company No. 2, Baton Rouge.
"Is the efficiency of a fire department not affected in any way by the Interest manifested by the town council and citizens? How can the membership of volunteer fire companies be best maintained, and can it be done without the co-operation of the town council and citizens." Jos. B. Lancaster, Covington.
"In what different ways can the volunteer fire service be made attractive in order to enlist and make loyal members of our young men? Discipline and its advantages? Chief D. W. Wolff, Hammond.
"The necessity of fire drills in our public schools, buildings and factories, where a large number of persons are employed. Defective flues and their danger," Chief Hugh Waddell, Baton Rouge.
"Is there anything to be gained by firemen's tournaments, hose cart races, hook and ladder contests. etc.?" Rayne Fire Department.
"Is there any saving in the maintenance of motor-driven apparatus over horse-drawn apparatus in small towns where there are no paved streets? Is the motor any advantage over the horse-drawn, in effectiveness and efficiency?" Chief Charles 0' Brien, Shreveport.
12:30 P. M.—Business session: Election of officers; selection of next convention town; adjournment till 1912 convention.
2:30 P. M.—Varied entertainments including a motor car ride through the ozone belt to Mandeville.
7:30 P. M.—The Kovington Karnival parade will be reproduced in honor of the firemen of Louisiana, passing through the principal streets.
8:30 P. M.—Ball at the Bogue Falaya Park, in honor of the visiting firemen.
SUNDAY, MAY 28.
8:30 A. M.—Reception committee will meet all excursion trains bearing are companies and visitors.
9 A. M.—Delegates will assemble at convention headquarters to receive their badges. Firemen and visitors will have from 9 a. in. to 12 m. to attend church services.
12:30 P. M.—All firemen In full uniform and delegates will assemble at Bogue Falaya Park to attend the barbecue.
2 P. M.—Parade; all fire companies will assemble at the corner of New Hampshire and Lockwood streets for annual parade through streets, returning to the park for review, after which it will disband.
3 P. M.—state firemen's tournament, after which all prizes will be so awarded.
The following telegram was received from Hon. Robt. C. Wickline, Washington. D. C.:
President N. H. Fitzsimons - Covington. La
Best wishes for the success of the convention. Am with you in spirit.
ROBT. C. WICKLIFFE.
Route of Firemen's Parade.
Form at New Hampshire and Kirkland streets; out New Hampshire to Rutland, to Columbia, to Lockwood. to New Hampshire, to Boston. to Columbia, disband.
Route of the Carnival Parade.
Form at the corner of New Hampshire and Theard Avenue; thence to Columbia street, to Boston, to New Hampshire, to Rutland. to Columbia St., New Hampshire to the park, to the Den.
