A Big Blaze!
Three Business Houses Consumed and
As many Families Homeless
Bainbridge Republican, December 19, 1884
About 3 o'clock Thursday morning the fire alarm was sounded. At first the fire could not be situated on account of its location. However, it was soon learned that the rear part of C.P. Perry's hardware store was in flames. The fire department was promptly at the scene of the conflagration. It was about an even thing with Danforth and Roberts hose companies, but Danforth hose co. got the first stream on the fire.
How the Fire Originated is not known. The first indication known was the hearing of something falling when little Gracie Perry arose and cried fire. Benj. Eells immediately arose and opened his window, when the smoke and fire entered his room and nearly suffocating him, and so far advanced was the fire, he was unable to save any of his clothing. Mr. and Mrs. Perry and children also failed to procure any of their clothing or even dress.
As near as can be learned the fire originated in the store building of C.P. Perry's, and how the fire could start there seems strange, as there has been no fire in the store house at any time this winter. Despite the effort of the firemen, the flames communicated with the Davis block, which was occupied by A.L. Palmer, and Watkins Bros., merchants, on the first floor, and Alva Lyon, and J.H. Stoddard's millinery store, on the third floor. A.L. Palmer saved nearly all of his goods. The fire had gained such headway that it was impossible to save but a few goods in the other stores and scarcely anything in the second stores. Alva Lyon saved considerable of this household goods, but they were in bad shape and considerably damaged. Very little was saved in the hardware store, the goods being such they could not be handled. When the building inside was all ablaze Ben Eells remembered that there were three kegs of gun powder in the store. No one volunteered to take the chances of securing them when Ben, bravely attempted the task. The kegs were in a large tin can which, was so hot that his hands were burned, but he never flinched until the powder was deposited in a safe place.
The Morley block, occupied by I.J. Tillman, as a grocery store was saved through the gallant work of the firemen, nothing being removed but one counter. The Central house barns had a narrow escape, but by constant drenching were saved.
The citizens as well as firemen worked nobly, and many ladies were seen dodging in and out of the burning buildings heavy laden with goods. Truly, Bainbridge had some brave and noble women.
Thank God for the Roberts Water works and all praise to John M. Roberts for the abundant supply of water which saved $75,000 worth of property on Thursday morning. The taxpayers of this village cannot do too much in support of the Roberts Water works, our fire department and the citizens who worked so faithfully. Let no penny wise and pound foolish policy prevail in the future. Let us accord high honor to the individual who, from his private fortune, and at a great risk, gave to our community an institution of priceless value. We now know the benefit of the water works in averting a conflagration which would have laid our beautiful village in ashes.
Loss and Insurance
Watkins Bros., stock valued at $5,000, insurance, $2,500; loss, $2,500
A.L. Palmer, stock valued at $10,000, insurance, $5,000; loss, $5,000
C.P. Perry, stock household goods, etc. insurance $5,900; loss, $4,200
Mrs. W.W. Davis, valuation of building, $2,000, insurance, $1,000
Samuel North, valuation of building, $3,000, insurance unknown
The valuation of Mrs. J.H. Stoddard's household goods and millinery stock can not be learned; insurance $400
Notes
- There was no sham about the fire.
- The lack of sufficient hose was sorely felt.
- What do you think of our water works now?
- Bainbridge can now talk "burnt district."
- "Lightning" hose, though least, were not last.
- The hot coffee served by the ladies was thankfully received by all.
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