THE NEW YORK FIREMEN’S CYCLE CLUB

THE NEW YORK FIREMEN’S CYCLE CLUB

Specially written for FIRE AND WATER ENGINEERING.

The New York Firemen's Cycle club was organised in October, 1896, in Rose ball. Twenty-fourth street and Second avenue, Manhattan, and incorporated in November 1897. The club's first officers were as follows: President, John McAree, now captain of engine company No. 73: vicepresident, Engineer F. L. Albertus. engine company No. 57: secretary, Edward S. Root, now chief of battalion; treasurer, Edward J. Port, engine company No. 62: road captain. Chief John Castles. The club was organised solely as a social organisation, and during the ten years of its existence has not meddled in politics or department affairs. Today, however, its members an composed of several chief officers, who. ten years ago wore the blue shirt when they came into the club. The club meets onct a month, and enjoys a couple of outings during the summer, and has a dinner, or “beefsteak" during the winter, and several howling tournaments during the season. The club can boast of several good bowlers, such as Chief Kenlon. Chief Norton, Captain Slattery, David J. Curley, and Captain Goo. Murray. The accompanying photograph shows a “beefsteak," at Kennedy's, on February 4, 1906. The following were elected officers for 1007: President, Chief Joseph Crawley; vicepresident. M. F. Loughman, secretary park board; secretary, Lieut. Geo. F. Ricketts, engine company No. 30; treasurer. Lieut. Henry Kraet/er. engine company No. 83; road captain. Chief John Castles; stir geons, Drs. Manta and Archer, Chief Castles has been the road captain since the club’s organisation, and l.ieut. Kraetzer has held his office for eight years, Drs. Manta and Archer were elected surgeons at the organisation of the club, and have held office ever since. Up to this year David J. Curley, aide to Chief Croker, held the presidency for several terms. Fireman John J. C. Seufert, the hero of the Roosevelt street fire, is a prominent member of the club. The accompanying photograph shows the members, who are numbered as follows in the picture: