The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-04-18
FLAMES.
Port Byron had a seri-
GUS fire last night.
Four Stores are Destroyed
and Damaged.
CALL FOR HELP WHICH FORTUNATE
WAS NOT NEEDED.

Port Byron, station on the q. Nj. q
ST. P, short distance from this city,
was visited by severe fire last night,
which demolished one of the largest stores
in the place and also ruined the printing
establishment of the Globe Office. For
time the widest excitement prevailed as the
strong wind blowing at time endangered
the entire business portion of the town.
During the excitement, kilograms were
sent to this city for help, requesting that
fire engine be sent as soon as possible, soon
after sending the dispatches, the wind
shifted around and the flames were soon
under control. The request for an engine
was countermanded, as it was soon appar-
ent that the danger of a general contiagra-
ton was over.
THE ORIGIN.
At about midnight flames were discover
cd issuing from the roof of large three
story building owned by N. Dorrance and
occupied by Gaylord s. Stone as a Dry
Goods store, and in the Globe printing
works. 1t is not known how
the fire originated, but it is thought that
fire was communicated either by means
of detection fiue or from the sparks of
locomotive, a train on the G. NJ. 6 St. P.
passing that point only a few moments
previous to the first discovery of the fire.
THE EXCITEMENT.
The whole town was soon aroused and
the larger portion of the male population
repaired to the scene where they OBLIGATED
as spectators and firemen.
At the time of the breaking out of the
fire a stiff breeze was blowing from the
south, and fears were entertained that the
flames could not be checked until they had
destroyed the entire block and even the
business portion of Port Byron.
The citizens went to work and by means
of buckets attempted to subdue the fire.
The flames had gained such Roadway, how
ever, that it soon became evident that no
successful fight could be made with the
limited and primitive facilities. At this
time a dispatch was sent to the city asking
for an engine.
FLAMES SPREADING.
The block in which the Dorrance
building is situated contains the large
warehouse of Moore s. Lowry and
several smaller structures. The flames
soon enveloped the two buildings which
are jointly occupied by Gaylord & Stone,
and the Printing establishment and their
destruction became a matter only Of time.
The adjoining frame buildings also caught
fire, and the entire city was illuminated by
the burning buildings The warehouse of
Moore s. Lowrey was several times in flames
but by a copious supply of water, the fire
was prevented from gaining any Roadway.
AS soon as it was discovered that the
buildings could not be saved, the work of
removing the goods and material from the
buildings was commenced and carried on
until it became dangerous to enter the
structure.
UNDER CONTROL.
At 1 o'clock this morning the wind veer-
ed around and from that time the flames
were under control.
The south building of the two owned by
Mr. Dorrance was totally destroyed, the
wall falling over the railroad track, which
runs close to the block. The north build
ing was only partly destroyed, as it still
stands but is badly damaged. The two
frame stores south of the building above
noted were also completely destroyed.
THE LOSS.
The second and third stories of the Dor
rance building, being occupied by the pro
prietor of the Globe printing establishment
as his home and Office, received the most
damage, his furniture, and portion of his
household goods were removed, but the lar
ger part of his job material printing presses,
and other goods usually found in such
establishments, were badly ruined, if not
eventually destroyed. 1t is not known that
he is covered by insurance as he is but new
arrival at Port Byron and had not fairly
started in the business. Gaylord s. Stone
will probably sustain partial loss of their
goods, although they are fully insured, as
is also NJ. Dorrance, the owner of the build
ing.
The two frame stores Immediately ad
joining the Dorranee building were not oc-
cupied and were owned by Madison BOwles.
The total loss will not exceed 81,