The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-07-19
FIRE AT THE SEASIDE.

PART OF sEABRIGHr DEsTROYED--HoMES or
NEW WORKERS ENDANGEnED-pRoMPr AND
GENEROUS ACTION by THE SUMMER REsrs
DENTS.
LONG BRANCH July 19. 1879.
Seabright is of the charming resorts which Q
goodly number Of New Workers. Philadelphians and
Baltmoreans claim a favorite resting place for
their families during the summer months Last
night rather this morning. about three
o'clock. they treated to the luxury
of sensation which of them will
have occasion to recall among the incidents
of the summer solstice. The regular cottages ire
aligned the beach facing the Atlantic, and he
first report that came to here at Long Branch
that sixteen Of them had been burned. The
quence may be easily guessed. Scores Of people
turned of early BEDS and fast as feet-footed
horses could carry them hurried to the spot.
Fortunately. aud, as is generally the cases
rumor had swelled into exaggeration. and
reaching Seabright the sum OF destruc-
ton was resolved into comparatively insignificant
figures. Nevertheless, goodly part of the village
proper was destroyed. The fire commenced in the
rear of small grocery store where one Of the vii.
lage loungers had carelessly thrown the end Of .
lighted cigar into some waste material An hour or
two later the smouldering mass had become flame
that attracted the attention of . passer-by.s The
alarm was promptly given. but II was too lets The
houses all OF wood with the exception Of
their Foundations and with strong northwest wind
in full blast. the DANES moved on from AQnse to
journ in the neighborhood and the male residents
in the cottages were promptly on the spot, but il
quickly evident that nothing could be done
to allow the flames to expend their fury. For
tunately time enough was counted to enable nearly
all the occupants Of the premises to escape both with
their lives and the material part of their household
goods. The losses however. for small and
growing place this character quito severe and
in their way deplorable if the affection had
come upon people q thousand times richer. Tho
place is too small to afford engine and therefore,
the old fashioned method OF handling IRE was re.
sorted TOTO w.t. the of buckets; but theso
proved of little avail. and by five O'Clock the flames
had exhausted their power Meanwhile help had
been sent from Long Branch. and everybody who
could raise hand was busy participant the
work of staying the conhagration Altogether about
fourteen buildings were destroyed. These included
the local drug store, d market, lumber Office and
portion of its yard, several tenement houses new
cottage. recently completed by Captain West OF the
adjacent life saving station and the public school
house. The insurance on the property Is said to
amount to less than 100000. The total loss will
probably not exceed $4,000. If the wind had not
changed the beach might have been swept AS il
many Of the cottagers prepared themselves for .
prompt removal
1t is gratifying sequel of this misfortune that
large number OF workmen are already busy among
the smoking ruins in erecting homes for those who
have been suddenly bereft AMI when your corre-
spondent asked. "Who started the work OF relief
promptly and paid the bis?" the answer that came
back was, ''Our summer residents"