History, Winnebago County, Wisconsin: Its cities, towns, resources, people

              732 HISTORY OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY.
The No. 1 Company wore blue blouses and caps; the No. 2 Ger¬ mania were dressed in red shirts and Holland caps; the hook and ladder boys wore blue. The women took part in the decora¬ tion of the engines. They marched in long procession, with a band of music, the members in handsome uniform, usually with the old "Turner Band." All the factories closed, and the whole town turned out to greet the firemen. The streets were lined with- people. As the brave procession marched along, every boy vowed that some day he should be a fireman. They were effi¬ cient in putting out fires and worthy of all praise. They pre¬ sented Mr. Lawson, Sr., as chief, an immense white stiff leather chief's hat, and a beautiful trumpet, and he proudly marched at the head of the procession. He took great delight in the fire company, and studied the extinguishment of fires scientifically. He made them play the water on the lower part of the fire so the steam would rise and assist to extinguish the flames. It was truly remarkable how they could extinguish some fires which they conquered.
"Fireman's Certificate": "These presents certify that P. Y. Lawson, of Menasha, is an active member, in good standing, of Fire Engine Company No. 1, of Fire Department of Yillage of Menasha, Winnebago County, Wis. And that the said P. V. Lawson has so been an active member in good standing of said company for seven years continuously," etc., etc.
"P. V. Lawson, Chief Engineer. (Signed)    E. W. Kittle, Foreman."
P. v. Lawson, Sr., was an earnest advocate of temperance, and never lost an opportunity to improve his fellow men in this respect.    In the books of No. 1 Fire Company we find this record s
"Special meeting, Menasha Engine Company, No. 1, Novem¬ ber 16, 1878.7
"Called to order by the foreman, J. Krouse. Object of meet¬ ing is to take action on a proposition of P. V. Lawson, to give them $25 to keep beer out of their meeting place.'
"Motion was made to vote by ballot. Carried. AAHiole num¬ ber of votes cast eighteen, of which six for Lawson's offer, and twelve against.    The offer was not accepted.
"J. AY. Hart, Secretary."
While P. V. Lawson, Sr., was chief engineer of the fire de¬ partment in 1874 he recommended and assisted in the organiza¬ tion and equipment of the Union Hook and Ladder Company. It was organized April 7, 1874.