They had wonderful music at the balls, but I used to sneak away once in a while because I enjoyed the singing of the colored waiters in the basement. They used to get together and entertain themselves when things go slow upstairs. L. Woodward Franzheim, Sr., or the late Merts Franzheim come in the door with one costume on and know that they would be making at least two more changes during the course of the evening. All indications are that the Stratford Springs was the most elegant single establishment to have existed in the city. Maybe it was too good to last.
Weather reports for the day indicate that Wheeling was in the midst of a record cold spell.
The fire, which news reports say was caused by crossed wires, began in the side of the building which was away from the stiff winds prevalent that night. The wind was credited with possibly saving the lives of guests in the fire. Flames had to eat their way westward against the blowing and, consequently, the fire worked more slowly. All the guests managed to get out of the building, including Mrs. Adams and her three-month old baby. There were no fire plugs in the area and the rustic fire fighting equipment had trouble even reaching the scene.