June 22, 1993 (~estimated)

Firemen’s Inspection Parade set for Friday

The Princeton Firemen’s Annual Inspection Parade will be held Friday, starting at 7 p.m. at the corner of Nassau and Chestnut streets. The parade will then head west on Nassau Street to Borough Hall.

Ceremonies after the parade will include awards for members having more than 25 years of active service with the Princeton Fire Department. The members and their equipment will then be inspected by the visiting judges and Borough Council and Township Committee.

This year’s parade will include the three fire companies that make up the Princeton Fire Department — Princeton Hook and Ladder, Mercer Engine Co. No. 3 and Princeton Engine Co. No. 1 — the Princeton First Aid Squad, ladies auxiliary marching units and three bands.

The first firemen’s inspection by the governing body was requested by Fire Chief John J. Stryker on July 5, 1884. The inspection was then held on July 10 in front of Mercer Hall, located on Nassau Street between Tulane Street and Allen’s. The Fire Department at that time showed off some of its newest equipment, such as canvas jacket, rubber hose and an 1883 Rumsey and Company horse-drawn ladder truck.