The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-07-20
BY TELEGRAPH.
MATTERS IN MAINE
FIRE AT OLD ORCHARD.
Boston Il Maine House Destroyed.
Special

[SpeciaL1
OLD ORCHARD BEACH, July 19.-At about
ten minutes of nine, this evening, flames were
seen to be issuing from beneath the platform
which connects the Boston & Maine House
with the railroad platform. and in less than
i've minutes the Boston & Maine House was
mass of flames, and less than twenty minutes
the building had fallen, so rapidly had the fire
done its work. The house was new one, not
yet completed, having been built since the
first of April. 1t was three stories in height,
constructed of wood and burned like so much
t'nder. The inmates, Some II or IA IN number,
had barely time to escape with their lives, say:
Ing nothing aside from the clothing they were
wearing. The furniture, with the exception OF
the safe, was \ total loss.
At first the Indications were that all the
houses east oe the Boston & Maine House and
towards the beach must be entirely swept away,
but the wind bore the cinders and flames to-
wards the open lawn IN front of the Ocean
House, and thus was averted calamity which
would have sadly crippled the interests of Old
Orchard Beach and have Inarred the pleasures
of its numerous guests.
Saco, but the order to Portland was counter
manded. so rapidly did the building suceumb to
the flames. The steamers from Saco arrived
too late to be of service, save in deadening the
smouldering embers
The fire is supposed to have been the work of
an incendary, 1t having started in the laundery
of the house where there had been no fire since
Friday. The building and its furnishings cost
$4,000, upon which there was an insurance of
$780, The policies were issued by the Safe
guard of Philadelphia, and some other COM
panles whose names cannot be ascertalned to-
night The house was used as restaurant for
transient guests, picnic parties and excur-
sons.
The Gorham House, which it seemed must
burn,was only saved by the almost superhuman
efforts of thu guests of the other houses. AT
1l.3O, the time of Sc nding this despatch, the
engines are playing upon the ruins, and all
danger is supposed passed. G. A. ?.
by Associated Press.i
Engine Frial.
LEWISTON, July ia contest between the
Lewiston Engine Company of this city, and
Lisbon Engine Company of Lisbon, occurred
at Lisbon this afternoon, for 500 on each side
The Lewiston's won, throwing a horizontal
stream 1917 feet.
Postal.
The postoffice at West Corinna, Penobscot
county has been discontinued.
DrOwned.
RoCKLAND, July 19.-Ethel Lindsey, fish
erman living at the north end, was drowned
yesterday afternoon by being upset from a dory
IN which he was going off to lobster car q
short distance from the shore. The accident
was observed and boats put off and recovered
the body. Physicians were sent for and efforts
were made to produce artificial respiration for
| half an hour, when it became evident thai
death had undoubtedly taken place, and the
| body was sent home. Lindsey was man 45
or 30 years of age and haG grown up children
! but no family now living with him.
MANCHESTER, N. H., July 1S-Whie bath.
| ing in Piscoquog river, yesterday, VIM. Wad.
leigh, aged II, was drowned. He belonged il
| Parsonstield, Maine.