Kent Threw a Civic Ball to Buy a Fire Hose

KENT, Feb. 22.—[Special.]—Something unique in the history of municipal government occurred in Kent tonight. It was nothing more nor less than a grand ball given by the municipal authorities. The affair, from beginning to end, was entirely under the management of Mayor Overlock and the city council, and every dollar of the net proceeds will go directly into the city treasury.

For several months past the town has been practically without any fire protection whatever, owing to the fact that the fire hose flies to pieces whenever the slightest pressure is put upon it. Like many other towns, Kent's financial condition would not warrant the expenditure of money for new hose, and the problem of how to get it vexed the souls of the members of both the old and new council.

As if by a stroke of genius, Editor Mussetter, of the Kent Journal, suggested the giving of a ball, the proceeds to be devoted to the purchase of hose. The idea was at once acted upon by the mayor and council. Committees were appointed to arrange details, and the mayor and council resolved themselves into a committee of the whole. The committee did its work thoroughly; every property owner, business man and resident of the town was visited by the august committee and made to purchase one or more tickets.

The grand march began at 9 o'clock, Mayor Overlock and wife leading, followed by the members of the city council and their wives. The hall was crowded, and it is safe to say that many of the gray-haired old settlers had not seen the inside of a ballroom in many a year. The church element was remarkably well represented, and it was thought that on such a night no one might be shut out from the pleasure of attending a ball, especially when it was given on George Washington's birthday.