The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-13
TWO DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.
The Town of Vineyard Haven, Mass,
Almost Entirely Burned.
An Appeal for Aid-Burning of the Kimball
House. at Atlanta, Ga.-Over a Million
Dollars Gone in Smoke.
AN EASTERN BLAZE.
The Town OF Vineyard Haven, Mass, Almost
Entirely DESTROYED.

Inc LoWn Oh vineyard raven, Mass, Almost
Entirely Destroyed.
BOsToE, Aug. 12.-About O'Clock last night a
fire broke out in Vineyard Haven, and a large
number of cottages, mostly belonging to sum
mer residents, have been burned. II originated
In the harness mandatory of R. W. Crocker.
aud owing to a brisk northeast gale, quickly
swept through the village to westward. There
being no fire apparatus in the town, assistance
was summoned from Cottage City by telephone.
Nearly the entire population of that place hast
ened to the scene. The burned section begins at
Jenkins's paint shop, the east side of Main
street, and extends southwark to and including
the Mansion House. The Cottage City fire de-
partment and police are on hand, and have rem
dered valuable assistance. District Officers
lines and Sevear, and Chief Dexter, of Cottage
City. have organized a force TO protect property.
Numerous thieves from vessels in the harbor
are on shore, and boldly attempting to carry
away goods. Several arrests have been made of
persons caught making off with clothing etc.
The territory burned over embraces the heart
of the village. The loss cannot be accurately
estimated tonight, though probably 1t will fail
little short of 100000, and strikes almost a
0eath-blOw to this ancient village. 1t leaves
hundreds of people homeless, many OF whom ire
thrown upon the charity of their neighbors.
There is a considerable insurance on the prop
erty destroyed.
There have been no accidents or loss of life,
though the fire spread quickly. and covered ter
ritory thickly settled. The town is at present
full of summer boarders from Washington and
elsewhere, and probably TWO hundred of them
are burned out.
A public meeting was held at Cottage City to-
day at which relief committee of twenty-one
prominent residents and visitors was appointed.
This afternoon the committee issued the follow
ing appeal
IAN appalling calamity has befalleu the viii
lage OF vineyard Haven. A confederation last
night swept away the entire business portion Of
the place, excepting one store, and destroyed
over thirty dwelling-hOuses, thus throwing out
of occupation and home hundreds of persons
who have lost everything Many OF these home
less ones are widows and o. rLETs, and all in need
of immediate assistance. Contributions of food,
clothing or money, addressed to Captain James
l.. Smith, treasurer, Vineyard Haven, Mass, will
be thankfully received by the relief committee.
'NM II. AMOUR, Chairman"
1--WE, the selectmen of the town of Tisbury, in
which the village OF Vineyard Haven is situated,
indOrse the above appeal. TRUMAN ALLEN,
"OwEN H. TILToN."
The village is visited by thousands from all
parts of the island and from the mainland. The
loss is estimated at 100000; insurance,
S64, 200. All the stores in the place but one are
burned. The wife Of James Davis, an aged
Citizen died from excitement consequent upon
the fire. The following are the heaviest losers;
X. Cr0Cker, harness manufactory, $4,000;
insurance, $4,000. j. 81. Lambert, store and
dwelling. $4,000; insurance, $4,000. The
Baptist Church. $4,000. Luce Bros. dry goods,
$4,000; insurance, 81 900. Most OF the Ivsses
were below SIS, 900 each.