The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1879-10-09
DeadWOOd in Ruins
DEADWOOD, d. T., September

DEADwOOD, d. r., September g.
Fire broke out in the Star bakery, on
Sherman street, at 2:2O this morning.
and following that thoroughfare, swept
everything before it on Lee, Main,
Gold, Wall, Patton and William streets,
and some residences on Centennial av-
enue.
Famed by light breeze, and moth
ing to contend with, except a very in
efficient Fire Department, everything
was at the mercy of the flames. Less
than half n score of pronounced fire.
proof warehouses withstood the severe
test. The buildings being mostly of
wood and poorly constructed, they
burned like SO much chaff.
The fire spread with such wonderful
rapidity that any attempt at saving any
thing would have been useless. All
along its course terrific explosions of
gunpowder, petroleum, liquor, etc.,
were Of frequent occurrence. Buildings
were blown into atoms.
The hook and ladder apparatus and
hose carriage were the first things to
burn, leaving nothing but a few feet of
worthless hose with which to battle
against the devouring elements.
The new waterworks were tried for
the first time yesterday, and this morn
ing they were put to their full capacity,
with little success in subduing the
flames, on account of the scarcity of
water. The hill sides were almost Il
solid sheet of flame, and water from
the bowlder ditch could not be had, 9TH
erwise considerable property would
probably have been saved, as the ditch
ran almost directly over the worst
spot. ...... -.e-
The widest excitement prevailed on
account of the fearful force of the
flames, and people thought of but little
beside saving their own lives, hundreds
escaping with only their night-clothes.
Every team within miles of the city
was called into service to help save
what could be got out. There are
probably about 1900 people who are
homeless, and many destitute.
About one hundred and twenty-five
buildings, beside fifty or sixty dwelling
houses, were destroyed, and, while it is
utterly impossible to get any definite
figures regarding loss, well-posted bust
ness men place it at from 81, 500, 900 to
100000
The fire is still burning, but all its
material is exhausted, and there is no
danger of its spreading, unless an UNI
favorable change in the wind occurs.
Several of the firms whose fire-proofs
were saved have posted notices that
they will open up for business in them
on Saturday.
Lumber is being hauled rapidly, and
building will commence, as soon as the
debris can be cleared away, in far
more substantial way than before.
Most of the merchants who have lost
their wooden stores will erect brick
ones in their stead. Labor is in great
demand, and everything presents a
lively appearance.
Ali saloons are closed by order of the
Sheriff, and the city presents an I'M
usually quiet appearance. A citizens
committee of safety, numbering seven,
has been appointed at public meet
ing, who will assist the Sheriff in pre-
serving the peace. Evil doors, il
caught, will be speedily dealt with. 10 A
proposition to organize vigilance com.
mittcc, one hundred strong, was voted
down, emphatically.
Numerous kind offers of assistance
have been made by Eastern merchants,
but will hardly be accepted, as the
merchants bear their losses with the
best possible grace, and are not inclined
to place themselves under any obiga-
tiois, at the same time appreciatinG the
willing offers made by Eastern houses
in all branches of trade. Z fs8i rsI
Says Joaquin Miller, writing Of the
River Thames: "By the side Of this
great commercial artery of the aeartA
broods London-broods and broods,
and broods.'' He might have add.
ed with equal force and truth that !, it
broods, and broods, and broods, .apd
broods, and broods, and broods, and
broods, and broods. -RocklGnd Courier.