Post # 18 ~ The Firemen of Hamburg and Augusta Celebrate

Mingling Together in Fraternal Harmony

~ Leaving the Animosity to the Bigwigs ~

In my search to learn more about Hamburg, much of the primary-source material I find is, well, a bit dreary - full of the troubles and tensions that dominate the world of adults. It is much more fun to find something that surely proved an enjoyable time for the Jeffers children. How about a parade through the streets of Hamburg to announce the arrival of the town's new Fire Engine? What's more - the Firemen of Augusta came on over to help their brethren celebrate. Then there was a big feast, a happy affair for all. 

A handsome new Hunneman Steam Engine, c 1850. 

I would love to see Hamburg's "fine-looking set of fellows," but I can picture them when I read

the following: 

Clipped from The Daily Constitutionalist and Republic (Augusta, GA), 1846-10-07. LOC

TEXT TRANSLATION: 

The Fire Companies of Augusta were out in strong force on Monday evening and moved in procession with Music and banners to visit their fellow Firemen of Hamburg. This was by special invitation of the Hamburg Fire Company who received on that evening by Rail Road their new and beautiful Engine. It is one of Hunneman's make, of handsome model, and tastefully ornamented. As it was drawn through the lines formed by the Augusta Fire Companies at the Depot, manned by the Hamburg Company, and detachments of five from each Augusta Company, it was welcomed with three hearty cheers. After parading through the principal streets of Hamburg, the Companies partook of a plentiful collation provided by the hospitality of the Hamburg Firemen, and mingled together in fraternal harmony around the festive board, in the indulgence of kindly sentiments and jovial feelings.

We will not attempt a minute description of the affair as we understand the Editor of the Hamburg Republican, who knows how to do those things, will show it up in his paper of to-morrow. We cannot forbear, however, a compliment to the appearance of the Hamburg Fire Company. They are a fine-looking set of fellows, and have a tasteful uniform. They will doubtless do good service in time of need. We congratulate the citizens of Hamburg on this additional safeguard to their property; and also the citizens of Augusta, for the two communities are as one, when either is visited by the calamity of fire. 

There was one alloy to the pleasure of the Augusta Fire Companies’ visit to Hamburg, which in all other respects, was delightful. We encountered clouds of dust, created by so large a body of men in motion. It was almost suffocating, and shrouded us in darkness. Though the heavens were without a cloud, and the bright full moon was shining in placid beauty, pouring its rich effulgence upon distant objects — the flowing river, and its tall bridge, the neighboring heights, the towering spires of Augusta, yet its silver light could not penetrate the thick masses of dust that enveloped us. Our march was

"By the struggling Moon-beams misty light, And our lanterns dimly burning."

We have long wanted rain both, for the comfort of our citizens, and the important consideration of business. A large quantity of goods destined for this market is detained in Savannah, by the low stage of the river. Even Mr Shultz’s celebrated turnip patch of 1839, under the bridge, is again becoming visible. If we do not have rain shortly, it will be necessary to put on our river some of those light draught Arkansas Steamboats, which were warranted to run anywhere that it was a little damp. 

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So much to take away from this. I picture the young Jeffers enjoying the parade, the show of civic pride, and the jovial picnic. The writer himself seemed glad to showcase friendship instead of rivalry. And I especially enjoyed his projection that the two communities would be "as one, when either is visited by the calamity of fire," which, not remarkably, happened a month later. For that you will need to see the next post!

PS. I am still searching the internet for some explanation of Mr. Shultz's celebrated 1839 turnip patch under the bridge.