Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-06-11
THE MANSION HOUSE In ASHES.
Less $4,000 insured for $4,000.

At little before one o'clock this morning, the
city bells rang out the alarm Of fire. As our ct-
zens we're aroused, the whole city appeared to be
brilliantly Illuminated 1t was soon discovered
that the Mansion House was in flames, the stables
being in blaze, and the fire leapipg towards the
high roof of the main building.
The fire was first discovered by the boarders a.
| about quarter to one clock, who were awakened
by the horses neighing in the stables. The pro-
prietors of the house, Messrs. w. NJ. Thayer &
Son, devoted their best energies TO ousiDg their
boaid ers, and succeeded in clearing the house of
its inmates. The fire department was soon on the
scene of action, and while they were endeuvoring
| TO stay the onward march of the dam,s our citl-
zens took hold with great willingness TO clear the
hotel of its valuable contents. Tney succeeded
| well. most Of the furniture and bedding being
taken out with more than the ordinary care, and
carried to the court house yard and other safe
places. Mr.. Thayer SAYS he never saw men work
| better. Most of the boaiders and guests saved
their personal effects; one, Mr.. Sleeper lost
watch, and others met with slight losses.
The hand engines were placed at the reservoir
near the jail, and the steamer at the bydrant,
| corner OF Court and Winthrop streets The first
| effort was to attempt to keep the flames from
spreading to the main house, as before water
could be got ON the stables they were all ablaze.
But this was a work that had to be abandoned,
though the attempt was made with spirit and de-
termination. The houses of Capt. Charles Nc
Laughn and those of All Staples, Esq. besides
the large Concert Hall building, just across the
narrow Court street, were the most in danger.
But to stand between the burning building and
the threatened property, who could do It'll We
are proud to say that the Augusta fremen did it,
and those who witnessed their heroism this morn
ing, gladly give them the need of praise. 1t was
SIS much as mans life was worth to stand in that
terrible gap.
Concert hall building caught fire 10 several
places; but not an article was disturbed in the in-
terror, and the building was saved. The jail Gu
pola opposite, which was threatened, was careful
ly watched.
AT 20 minutes past two o'clock, the last timbers
OF the old Mansion House had fallen, and the
fire confined entirely to that building. The steam
err FREELY, stationed at the Green St. hydrant,
did effective work
The saddest part Of the affair was the burning
of six horses in the stable the hostler, who slept
in the stable Office, being unable to get them out.
One was the stallion "Wade Hampton" and an
other belonged y gentleman in Lewiston. All
of Thayer's carriages were destroyed, as we'll as
one belonging to Z. c. Allen.
The total loss on the property is about 500, 900.
Loss, $4,000. The fire caught in the shed its
cause is entirely Unknown. We understand it
was first discovered by young man who was do
ing little sparkling on his own account in house
opposite. He says be first saw it bursting out of
the roof of the ell
The recent rains were very favorable, saving .
general destruction of property. Burning cinders
as large as a mans hand, were carried by the
northwest wind and landed on the east side of the
river.