Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-09-04
THE GARDINER FIRE.
Five Business Houses and One Dwelling
Consumed.


About 10 o'clock Saturday morning fire
broke out in the stable in the rear of the
building known as the cooper shop. at the
head of Steamboat wharf, Gardiner, near the
| south end, having caught in the hay loft The
buildings in that vicinity all being wooden.
and of a very inhammable material. the
flames spread with such rapidity that in less
than ten minutes all of the wooden property
in that part of the city was in flames.
For some reason not yet fully understood
the steamer was rather slow in getting into
position, and it was fully 80 minutes before
water was put on to the FIRE. When they did
get to work, however. they did good service, and
ny hard fight prevented the flames from ex-
tending up Water street. which at one time
was thought would be the case. and about ali
the traders along the street. on both sides up to
the Evans House and Jack son . corner. packed
up what they could. and prepared to vacate
at shor; notice. Fortunately the wind. which
at one time threatened TO sweep the flames
the whole length of Water street. changed
to southerly direction, and aided the fire
men IN saving the property in the upper part
of the city. Several houses along Vine and
School streets, and in the vicinity of the com
mon were on fire at times, but by the PROMPT
exertion of the owners, the flames did not
get control. but if they had the greater part
of that portion would have been laid in ashes.
The Augusta steamer that came on the special
train was by order Of tie NJ. c. X r. Co. to
protect their bridge property in that locality,
but held themselves in readiness, as did also
the HallOwell steamer, to come at moments
warning that they would be needed.
Losses AND Insurance.
Although it lie early to get a correct es-
innate of the losses, the follow ing buildings
were burned and the loss is very near the
figures accompanying them:
Dingley Bros. building, occupied by Abel
Whitney as a cooper shop, in the upper
story, the lower story used as stable and
storehouse, was burned together with con-
tents also building occupied storehouse
adjoining 3. L. Dills store, containing COO
kegs of nails, 5 tons lath yarns. 2 tons horse
shoes. Loss on whole estimated at "a, 900.
No insurance. Mr. Whtnev's loss lie about
$500. Insured for $500 in -Etna.
Eben Byram estate, building occupied by
J. r. Sawtelle. Loss 81 1000; insured for
81 600 in Orient
Bvram estate. building occupied by Moses
Potte as dwelling. Loss $500; no in
surance.
Mr.. Sawtelle thinks his loss will amount to
5000. on which he had no insurance.
Gardiner Hotel. Fred Lawrence. Loss
80 500; insured for 81 900 in 1Etna. Loss
on furniture about $500.
Brick building owned by n NJ. Whitney.
Esq. Damaged about $500. Probably in
sared. This building was occupied by John
Taylor. as bowling alley and boarding
house, on which he thinks there is loss Of
5000.
Damage to B. L. Dill's building and stock,
about 81 900. Insured.
All of the fire companies did good service.
notw outstanding the delay in getting the first
stream upon the fire. Mr.. Chas. Trask
moved his horses and carriages to JEWELS
stable on Mechanic street. Mr.. Trask thinks
the fire fiend owes him grudge having been
driven by the big" fire. The Hecla from
Pittston was on hand promptly and did splen-
did service. A special train brought the Au-
gusta steamer down about III o'clock. The
Hallowell steamer was called out and was
ready to come. but received word that their
services would not be needed
Mr.. Hooker being out of town the manage
ment of the fire fell on I'd Engineer Gardiner.
The Savings Institution, Gardiner and Oak
land National Banks were all ready to move
at moments notice Gardner Reporter.