Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-07-06

Lose, 10000.

AT about half past six o'clock last night, smoke
was seen bursting out Of the large wooden ma
chine shop 1t the west end Of Kennebec
dam. An alarm sounded at once, and all
excitement on the street, as . large amount Of
most valuable property was jeopardized. The FIRE
originated in the second story, just over one Of
of the entrances. in the door, sash and blind fscto
~ Of II. F. Fsrnham 4 Co., who occupied the
whole of the door 10 the north part. The third
story was used as = storage place for the Sprsgue
Works; the basement and first floor by s. S.
Brooks as q manufactory for furniture. Immed-
lately after the alarm was given three lines Of
hose connected with the hydrauts in tie
machine shop and put on the fire; and SIX lines Of
hose run out from the works at the mills. These,
under the prompt direction of Supt. Cole and
Cashier Nourse, were manned at once, and COM
menced doing effective work. Great praise Is due
the mill hands for their prompt action. The At
lantic engine and steamer Cushnoc soon on
the spot and added three streams. At the request
of the Mayor, Mr.. Frank Moorlen, the builder OF
the steamer "Dr. Hill, promptly rendered the use
of that machine, and few minutes after. it was
throwing two splendid streams upon the burning
building 1t acquitted itself admirably, and the
city can hardly be deemed wise if it fails to buy
the machine at once. 1t seemed to be the unani.
nous verdict of the citizens present that the "Dr.
Hill' ought never be permitted to 20 to An out.
side market.
With the of these fourteen streams. the
Augusta fire department grsppled with the flames
most effectuslly, and against the odds Of high
wind which was blowing at the time, and the fact
that the building was very combustible. The
hundred feet of the north end of the building,
and between them and the other occupants was .
brick wall, which helped 10 retarding the flames.
The fire extended from Fsrnham's department,
burning his machinery and stock, and extending
to the third story. A small hole was burnt
through the roof.
The first floor was not much troubled by the
fire. the loss there being from the water. The
flames were fairly flooded by the water that was
put upon them, and 10 less than an hour the FIRE
was out, and the building saved, with the excep-
ton of the portion mentioned, in which the two
upper stories will have to be rebuilt.
The total loss is $4,000; insured for $1,000.
Loss of the Sprsgue Company on building, 80 600;
no insurance. Loss of S. S. Brooks. 81 900; in.
sured for 5000 Loss of II. F. Farubam & Co.,
81, 600; insured for $1,000. Freeman Barker
owned portion Of the machinery in the base
ment. which was not much damaged, probably.
As showing the appreciation # MIR. Nourse of
the services fthe Fire Department, the following
note was sent them last evening:
To the F re DEPARTMENT Of Augusta, Me-:
Gentemen-We wish to express to you our
sincere thanks for your noble eio,s in saving our
property from destruction to-day by FIRE. Please
accept the enclosed check for one hundred dol
lars as small token of our appreciation.
A. 4 w. SPRAoUE MIRO Co.,
j. F. MOUSSE, Cashier.
Augusta, July s, 1873.