The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1861-06-13
DESTRUCTIVE CoNFLAGRArroN.

Again are we called upon to record another sad
calamity that has befallen village. destruc-
tive fire broke out on Sunday morning last about
half past one o'clock, in the basket factory of
Jones Co., and in incredible short space of
time. it together with its contents, was heap of
smouldering ruins. From this building the fire
quickly communicated to the Central House barn,
which side, and the engine house on the other,
these were also destroyed, together with the out
buildings attached to the barn, and the hay,
oats. &C., in the barn. A small building used as
bakery, Immediately south of the engine house
also burned. To the north of the barn and
adjoining the meat market of Dickinson & Sanders,
was large two story building owned by s. N.
CAN'T, which was partly burned and partly pulled
down. Here the fire was arrested, though the
meat market was considerably damaged, and how
it was saved is certainly miracle, but all agree
that it was through the energetic and persevering
efforts of the iremen and citizens.
Had it not been that there was scarcely any wind
at the time, much greater amount of damage
must have been done. AS it was, the post Office
building, Sprague Hawks store and Lyle's store
house adjoining his harness shop. were at time
in great danger, their backened sides adjoining
the burnt district fully attests.
The engine company were promptly on the
ground, and worked like heroes throughout, as
the case with the citizens generally especially
the ladies, who rendered every assistance in their
power, often taking the lead in carrying water and
removing goods from the burning buildings, while
strong men stood by looking calmly on. They
entitled to all praise.
At the time the flames communicated to Mr..
Gantt's building, it was found necessary to change
the engine, in consequence of the water in the
reservoir giving out Had it not been for this, or
had they been in possession of 100 feet more hose
Mr.. G.'s building would undoubtedly have been
saved. As it was they did nobly, and the only
wonder is, how they could have accomplished so
much under the circumstances.
1t is impossible to ascertain definitely the loss
each one sustained None of the property des-
troyed, We believe, was insured. Jones & Co.'s
loss is set down at SO 000 and it falls with crush
ing weight upon them. Not only was their
machinery destroyed. but they had on hand nearly
their entire stock manufactured the past winter,
and what was embarked in the enterprise was their
an- Ar. Hubbards loss of hay, oats, &C., was
small Mr.. Gantt's loss is probably $500. The
engine house temporary building, erected for the
damage done Messrs. Dickinson Sanders is light |
The Central House barn was owned by Davidson
Gardner, Of this County, and a gentleman in New
York We do not know its value.
We cannot close this account of misfortune |
that will be severely felt by village, without
expressing the sentiments of nine-tenths of those
who witnessed the late fire, that we are not suf. |
hciently protected from this devastating element
What We most need in addition to our engine, is
HOOK and Ladder carriage with apparatus COM
plete. Had We been in possession of such an
apparatus much valuable property would have been
saved, both at the late FIRE and when the Union |
School house was burned There ought also to be |
purchased Immediately at leas. 900 feet more hose
for the engine. and that ought to be of far better
quality than the apology for hose now in possession
of the company, which would render the engine
far more effective, and possibly be the mean. Of
sAving much valuable property. We make these
suggestions to the Board of Trustees hoping they
viii take the matter in hand at once.