The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-28
The Late FIR Mt Alton.

On Saturday afternoon says the Alton Oll)
Courier of the 20th inst, our city was visited with
one Of the most destructive fires which has taken
place for many years. The alarm was given about
ave o'clock, and when first seen the flames had al
most completely enveloped the two story frame build
ing next north OF and nearly adjoining the Catholic
Church on Third street. A large number of citizens
were promptly on the ground; but there being no
water near, any effort to save the burning building
was fruitless.
The flames soon communicated to another frame
building next east to the one fire, and north of
the church, and, almost at the same time, to the
large house west of the church, occupied by Rev.
Mr.. Carroll and F. Grota. In short time these
buildings together with another frame dwelling and
the stone dwelling on the hill were heaps Of burning
ruins.
The FIRE was thus on the north end and west side
OF the church, and strong hopes were entertained
that it could be saved but it destined otherwise
Soon the wooden cornce was seen to be on fire which
shortly communicated to the roof and under the roof
in the cupOla when all hope of saving the beautiful
building was lost and the little organization which
had been effected among citizens was abandoned.
The church occupied one of the highest points in
the city, and as the night had set in before 1t caught
fire it presented magnificent but mournful specta-
cle As the flames rapidly trayersed its roof and en-
circled its supola with its tful blaze the vast as
semblage Of spectators were hushed to silence.
Soon the gallery With the splendid organ, fell to the
main floor, and then the bell came down with dull
ringing noise.
A glance through the burning windows revealed
the highly oinamented altar, mass Of fire, while
the flames wreathed around the tall candlesticks
which adorned it. AL eyes were now turned to the
cupola, which had now become one mase of fire. Il
was seen to sway for moment in the air, and then
came down with heavy crash, carrying with it q
large part Of the burning roof in its descent Many
of those who had been regular attendants upon the
service of the church could not restrain their tears
Thus was destroyed the finest public building In
city.
The fire originated in the basement of the house
occupied by Mr.. Grady and Mr.. Fitzgbbon. A little
son Of Mr. Grady in the absence of his parents had
gone into the basement, where there was some loose
hay, and while playing with some matches, the hay
caught fire, and almost instantly the whole house
was in blaze portion Of the furniture was saved.
In all the other buildings, except the church. the
furniture was saved, but In a very damaged state.
Mr.. Carroll was not at home having gone to Chicago
fome days ago. His private library was saved.
The magnificent painting over the altar in the
church was saved but nothing else of any value.
The furniture in the basement was got out.
We cosld not learn definitely in relation to insur-
rance, except as to the church. There was o. 500
insurance upon that in the Illinois Mutual We also
understand that there was an insurance to some
amount on the house owned by Mr.. Carroll and Mr..
Grota, but could not learn how much.
We did rot learn who owned the store dwelling.
The total loss may be estimated at S25, 900. The
church will undoubtedly be Immediately rebuilt ON
much larger scale.