Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1849-07-26
Correspondence Of the Waterman.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE.
LuNENBuRG, July Ia, 1874!

LUNEYBuRG, July Ia, 1919.
We have had the most destructive fire ever
known in town. It commenced about two o'cl'k
P. M. yesterday in the buildings of Geo. w.
Gates, Esq. and in ten minutes after discovered
that his buildings were all in flames. The 9TH
er buildings burnt were the Congregational
Meeting house, Town house, Tavern house, barn
and shed, owned by Messrs. Silsby 81 Brooks,
anG occupied by VIM Morse, and two barns and
sheds owned by Edmund Powers. No provis-
ions and but small part Of the furniture and
clothing Of Messrs. Gates and Morse were saw
ed. Some members of both families saved only
what clothing they had on. There were Is
other buildings on fire at different times, but by
the untirDg exertions of the people they were
saved. 1t was SUPPOSED for some time that N.
w. French's house, store ard other buildings,
could not be saved, and the goods were most of
them carried from the store and the house clear
ed. The origin of the fire is unknown. The
which falls heavily upon individuals and the
community. The loss OH the Town house,
built but few years since, at a cost Of $500, is
of course divided as equally as it can be. The
loss to the Congregational Society is more Sc
we're one. Their house was built in lS43, at an
expense of nearly $4,000 1t required a good
deal of exertion at that time to build the house,
and one of the largest contributors has since
died, and his property is not in town. They are
now left destitute of place of worship, and in
consequence of their other embarrassments they
will probably be unable to build one. The in
dvduals upon whom the loss falls most heavily,
are G. w. Gates, VIM. Morse, and Messrs Sis
by g. Brooks. Mr.. Gates was insured $4,000 on
his buildings in the Farmers Co. Granville NY.
and Mr.. French on his house, store, and goods
in the VI. Mutual. Mr.. French's buildings,
goods, and furniture were considerably injured,
and some Of them burnt after being removed
never saw people work better at a fire, and
considering there was no organization, and al
most total want of apparatus for such an en-
ergency, seems unaccountable that the fire was
stopped as soon as it was. Even ladders could
not be procured without going a considerable
distance, the only ones of suitable length in the
vicinity being near where the fire commenced
and surrounded by flames before they could be
secured.
No serious personal accident occurred. Some
were slightly injured by falling from buildings
and nearly all felt the "worse for wear" as nigh
be expected from TWO to three hours Of incessan
exertion. Mr.. Morse was taken from his build
ings senseess, in consequence Of over exertion
but recovered again SO that he was out again be-
fore night.
meeting Of tho citizens OF the town was
held to-day at which measures were adopted &c
assist those who have suffered by this calamity
Their present wants | have no doubt will he
promptly and generously supplied but the losses
fear will not, and cannot be expected 10 b,
made up by the contributions of the people o
the town.
H. II n