May 8, 1909 - Hill Hooks Anniversary

100 Years Ago: From The Rensselaer Eagle [NY 41 Rensselaer 93-32173].

HILL HOOKS CELEBRATED ANNIVERSARY

COMPANY'S TWENTIETH BIRTHDAY OCCASION WAS A MOST ENJOYABLE AFFAIR
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It doesn't seem like 20 years since the James Hill Hook and Laddar Co. was formed, yet on Monday night that event was celebrated in a fitting manner at the home of the Company on Partition street. It was a gala occasion and every one present had a fine time. The members of the company know how to entertain and their reputation for entertaining was fully lived up to as any one who attended Monday night's affair can testify.

Fire Chief George D. Bussey was on hand and was given a surprise when Charles Connolly presented him with a fire helmet of the latest approved pattern. The Chief was almost overcome but he managed to make a fitting response to the pleasant things that Mr. Connolly said of him. Chief Bussey is very popular with all the fire men.
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Then came the feast of reason and the flow of soul and for a few hours the members of the company enjoyed themselves greatly. ...

The company was organized May 1, 1889. John F. Kapp, who was elected President Monday night, was its first president. ...