Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-05-19
ITS ORIGIN IN THE OLD CHRONICLE BUILDING
SPREAD OF THE FLAMES-THE LOSSES, ETC.

SPREAD OF THE FLAMEs-THE LOSSES, ETC.
Soon after O'Clock last evening smoke was dis
covered by persons passing on Pennsylvania ave.
hue, between 9th and 10th streets, issuing from
the third story windows Of what has been known
as the Old Chronicle building, No 9l4 owned by
was struck from box 126. Immediately afterwards
general al arm Was turned in and in a few min
uteS the entire fire department was on the ground.
The hiIneS soon gathered Roadway, and it was
not long before huge columns OF dark smoke be-
gan issuing through the upper windows and the
roof OF the building, the fire spreading with great
force and the intense heat igniting everything of
an inf1ammable nature around The entire building
inside was a solid mass of flames within twenty
fell In with tremendous crash, carrying every
thing with it to the lower stories, and throwing
the fire In all directions. The firemen did noble
work, and it was almost miracle that the dam
age extended no further than it did. AS it was.
owing to the strong breeze blowing from
the southeast, the force OF the engine sta
the flames from communicating to the rear ton
story OF Mr.. w. s. Buchly's undertaken establish
caught on fire, and dill much damage to his stock
OF fine baskets stored In the upper rooms. On the
west side the restaurant OF Mr.. Henry Bernhemer
was damaged from falling bricks, which broke in
the roof and demolished his furniture and stock
or liquors. The first story OF the Shepherd build
ing, where the fire originated, was used by Mr.
Samuel Crown as provision store, he having re-
Gently purchased the stock from Mr. Hoffman the
second story was used by MeSsrS. Scott & SasSe
ioI oo pilptlLg oilce tfle lDlTu STORY as lodge
room for some colored Odd Fellows, and the top
story as broom factory by r. c. Poist During
the progress OF the fire large part of the rear
wall on the west side fell Outwaris into Bern
heiner'S yard, breaking In his Kitchen and doing
other damage thereto. The force OF the falling
wall had the effect of pressing out the windows in
front as If by an explosion OF gunpowder. MRS
Bernheimer, who had but few days before been
confined and was yet In feeble health, suffered
great nervous excitement, and had to be taken out
In hack across the avenue into the house of a
friend on street. between 9th and 10th streets at
great risk OF life. Nothing could be done to stay
the course OF the flames in the Shepherd building,
and 1t was as much as the f1remen could do to
prevent the spread OF the fire to other premises.
THE LOSSES.
The loss to the Shepherd building is not def
nitely known, but is covered by insurance. 1t
probably will not exceed So 600 Mr.. Buchly's loss
is from 1900 to g 500, principally by water
damaging his stock. He Is fully insured in the
local companies Mr.. Crowns loss is said to be
covered by insurance. The owner OF the broom
factory was not insured and his loss is thought to
be about $500 in tools and other appurtenances
connected with his business There was no in
Surance on the job printing Office OF Scott &
Sasse. The colored Odd Fellows lost all their re-
gala and furniture, there being no insurance On
about 5000 The damage to the buildings
crushed by the falling wall to the west OF the
burnt building Is about 81 800. 1t is said
that there Is mortgage on the old ChYOfa-
zee building held by Mrs A C. stephens.
Mr.. MattingIy, lawyer OF this city, who has
ness, was at the Commissioners office this morn
ing to get the District to take down the walls OF
the ruins, as 1t Is In danger OF falling. Mr.. En-
twise said the District had nothing to do with it.
but MI Dent said he would not refuse II the
Treasury ofncials would pass upon the expense OF
taking them down