McCook weekly tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 188?-1886, 1884-06-26
McCOOK'S FIRST FIRE.
LaTourette's Hardware Store and
Wilson & Hickling's Restau-
rant Licked Up by the
Davourinu Elements
DeVouring Elements.

startled by the cry of fire, and in few
minutes after the alarm was first sound
ed, large crowd had assembled before
LaTourette's store, which was found to
be afre underneath the floor. After
some delay, the hose was finally coup
led, and attached to the fire plug at the
corner of the Citizens Bank, and a
stream of water playing Oh the building.
Not having any fire department, and
consequently no recognized head and
leader, there was great diversity of opin-
ion as to just where the stream of water
should be thrown, and valuable time
was lost in moving the hose from one
point to another, at which some one
opined that more effective work could
be done. But the fire gained rapid
Roadway, and in a short time, both the
hardware store and restaurant were en-
veloped in flames, and, being both frame
and dry as punk, they burned rapidly.
The men now directed their energies to
combining the fire to these two buildings,
and by almost superhuman and heroic
fighting the progress of the flames was
stayed not, however, until the build
ing adjoining the restaurant and owned
by Mrs. Bates was partially destroyed,
and the postofice building had been
denuded of its awning and its front
extension. There was little or no wind
blowing at the time, which fact was the
salvation of the business part of our
town, as high wind would have swept
the entire street. Kendall's billiard
hall was undoubtedly saved by the small
hose kept at the lumber yard for sprink
ling purposes, stream of watcr-small
though it was-was thrown on the
building during the continuance of the
fire, and the house was saved, though
pretty badly blistered and charred.
The postoffice and Hayden's store
were both cleared of goods, and the
latter's loss by damage and through the
operation of thieves-that most unprin-
cipled class of human barnacles who
usually ply their trades at fres-was
about 5000. Insurance $1,000 in
Phoenix of Brooklyn.
The restaurant building and grounds
was owned by Mrs. j. Beaver of Ottum-
wa, Iowa, and was uninsured. The
stock owned by Wilson & Hickling was
also uninsured, and their loss will prob
ably reach 800.
Mrs. Beaver has decided not to re-
build until next fall. For the present
Wilson & Hickling will occupy the
building until recently occupied by
John Farley, south of Rogers store.
Mr. LaTourette's loss was about
$4,000. He had an insurance Of $4,000
ON stock and building. He had about
81, 900 worth of machinery and barb
wire along side his building, which was
uninjured. He estimates his loss over
and above insurance at So, 500. Just
as soon as he can straighten matters
around a little he will commence the
erection of brick building TO occupy
the old place.
As many theories are advanced as to
the cause of the fire as there are people
advancing them, but it will always re-
main a matter of conjecture in all
probability.
THE TRIBUNE took occasion, two
weeks ago, to call the attention Of our
citizens to the fact that, with our eX-
cellent system of water works, we were
lily prepared to combat fire, and our
voice was more disastrously prophetic
than we anticipated at the time Strike
while the iron is hot well applies, and
we again venture to suggest the advis-
ability of organizing fire department.
A well organized hook and ladder COM
pany hose cart and crew to man it,
and a number of fire plugs to be put in
at different points will fill the bill, and
fires such as last Thursdays, will be
promptly cxtinguished. Situated as
McCook is, and liable to high winds,
it is suicidal to remain longer without
an organization to suppress the fire