Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-01-25
BlUeBlazes4
Millions Of Property As
cend into Smoke.

Cerd INTO Smoke.
Grand Rapids and Marshfiald
Among the Losers.
The G. B. Railroad Depot Burned.
Saturday morning while the Roche
House ruins were still smoldering the
cry of fire again broke out on the clear
cold air and in less time than it takes
to tell it the Green Bay depot in this
city was reduced to ashes. Its entire
contents were also consumed entailing
loss of about $500 most of which
is protected by insurance. The origin
of the fire is unknown, but it is be-
lieved to be the work of an incendiary
as the fire broke out near the centre
of the building. Mr.. Graham we are
informed after leaving Writer'S Hall
that evening, or rather morning, where
be attended a dance, before retiring
for the night made visit to the
depot about 2 o'clock and at that hour
everything seemed to him to be in
order Fortunately, but little freight
or baggage was left in the depot that
night. The loss estimated on best
information is as follows:
Depot and furniture .............. $500. 90
A. X Frank one sample trunk. 350.O0
r. A. Welsch two sample trunks. 10000
Mr.. Bennett of Columbia Co. l trunk 5000
J. D. Witter one safe................ 10000
Mr. Smith one NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 10000
Total, NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 81, 10000
These estimates will not vary much
from the actual facts, if anything they
are low. The building or depot prop
erty is doubtless insured and of the
above named losses Mr.. Frank and
Mr.. Welsh each hold checks for their
trunks which will insure them their
pay after satisfactory proof Of the
contents. Since the fire the boys have
improvised a depot which is made by
using passenger car as a depot for
passengers and caboose for the bus
mess Office in which the telegraph
wires are operated. A new depot will
be erected as soon as possible.
ROCHE HOUSE DESTROYED.
We closed a small article about the
Newhall House fire in our last issue
with the following words: 1--WE hope
our little city will not be afflicted with
any such scene" Our Thursday
issue had just been nicely distributed
by Friday afternoon when the alarm
of fire was given and the cry, "the
Roche House is on fire" was heard
on the streets announcing the sad news
that another beautiful hotel building
was passing away in smoke. The
alarm was sounded at o'clock p. m.
on Friday; the engineer promptly put
fire in his engine and proceeded with
it to the scene of action. The engine
was placed just east of Hyde & Cos.
pulp mill and was ready for operation
before the hose was laid. When the
hose was in readiness the engineer
began to work his engine and imme-
diately one joint Of hose burst and
work was suspended until another
length of hose could be adjusted, when
the hose burst second time After
much labor and loss of precious time
they finally succeeded in throwing two
streams upon the building with this
aid they were enabled to save the barn.
The whole roof of the upright was in
flames before the engine reached there,
yes, even before the fire was really
discovered. It was supposed the fire
originated over the reception room
from defective chimney, there being
at the time a rousing fire in the stove
below.
The citizens were united in saving
|
the contents of the building. VIZ
understand most everything of any
value was saved. Even the kitchen
stove, dishes and kitchen utensils were
saved. Messrs. Frank Wood, FRANK
Solar, D. ". Compton. JOS. Closui
and many others attended to the hose
and engine department, while J. A
Gaynor. L. I. Cole, W. 7. Jones anc
others were in the back part of the
building saving the carpets, bedsteads.
ETC., up stairs, even risking their live
at times in their endeavors to save
property. We believe in risking ones
life to save life, but when it comes tC
saving household goods by risking ones
life, we rather be excused. We are
of tho como opipion that tba Hon