New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-04-29
LOSSES BY FIRE.
DESTRUCTION IN GLENS FALLS.
lOy HALL. THE OPERA HOUSES AND The PRES

this morning destroyed the Union han, tno OPci"
House and the Presbyterian Church, together with
fifteen stores and fully twice as many offices. Inc
fire was first discovered in the south end of the
reconstructed Union Hall building in Gien-st,
smoke being seen issuing from a third story window
O few minutes after @. An alarm was sounded,
and the fire department promptly responded. but
through the breaking Of a hose and the lack OF
force of the water some time elapsed before effect
| I've work could be done. The flames spread to the
north and communicated with Littles Opera
House. and great sheets of flames were soon shoot
ing through the roofs and windows of both struct-
ures Seven or eight streams of water were
directed to the burning buildings, but the strong
winds famed the flames into fury and carried burn
| ing brands to the adjacent buildings. The utmost
confusion prevailed, and no attention was paid 10
the orders Of the Chief the Assistant Engineers
| whatever. The fire spread to Warrcn-st.. in the
| rear of the Glens Falls Opera House, about forty
feet or less from the rear of Littes Opera House,
which fire, first at the stage where the
inlammable scenery, saturated with oil, burned
quickly, and then the front of the building which
was used as stores. The Presbyterian Church adj
joining then took fire. At 10, both Opera Houses,
the Prosbyte Church and the Union Hall build
| ing were completely destroyed, the broken walls
and burning timbers alonc remaining.
1t became evident at O.. m. that the fire ap-
paratus Of Glens Falls were unequal to the emer-
genoy. Aid was asked from Sandy Hill and Fort
Edward. The appeal speedily answered. At
least 100 willing helpers from each village accom-
panied the apparatus and did effective service. AT
half-past 10 the fire was under control. but not
until 1t had destroyed nearly 100000 worth Of
property. The residents IN Warren, Church, Maple,
Ridge and Pearl SITS were kept busy throwing
water on the burning brands carried by the wind
to the roofs and the firemen found ii neces-
sary to direct their attention to the dwellings
and business houses in Warren-st. to subdue the
fires that constantly appeared.
The fire, which originated in vacant room, is
thought to have been the work of an incendiary.
The Union Hall building was cheaply constructed.
II was three stories high aud cost about $1,000;
the insurance is 81 900. The south end was occu-
pied by Robinson & Ingalsbee, market men. The
next store was occupied by c. w. Long. dealer in
boots and shoes, and J. f. Thompson, matchmaker,
while the next was fruit store and restaurant,
kent Inv the ow ner of the building William III. Gil
dersccvc. The rest of the structure was devoted
90 shops and tenements. Littles Opera House was
built in 1869 and cost 100000. TWAS three storles
high. Ihe basement was used as lookup, ana IT'S
destruction leaves the town without place Tor the
detention of criminals. The first floor was occupied
by II. Thomas Son, hardware dealers who lost
almost their entire stock and Nj. Is: Sweeney & Co.,
who succeeded in saving the greater portion OF their
stock. Ciearys Cigar factory was IN the rear OF
siderable. The third story occupied by band of
Indians who are giving exhibitions They lost from
so to 800 worth Of supplies. he Indians worked
like beavers at the fire. and saved much property.
number of low, wooden buildings north
Of Little's Opera House, known as Muf-
derers Row." every one OF when Tas occupied as
vent the spread OF the flames In that direction.
The Gens Falls Opera House was the most valua-
bic business building in the place. It was built IN
for onIy & 0, 900. The building three stories
high and extended back about 100 feet from the
Al a
600 persons, and in the rear. The ground
floor In the front was occupied by 7. +. Bral"y d
Coz books and stationery; Isaac SMITH grocer; I.
L. Soweli, baker and b. the Post ONCE. Inc
boxes and mail were remOy ed in safety from the
building and a temporary Office was, taken IN
Justice Rangers building Mr. Sewell and Mr.
Smith succeeded in removing the greater portion OF
their goods. Bradley IL Co. lost all the wall paper
il stock and the entire 6onenS s OF tmG G Go If
the Opera House In front was occupied by
barber Bros, and ", A. Faxon, insurance, by Dr.
AldTich the WOmen's Christian Temperance Union,
and by Van Wagner & Cos. shirti factory Every.
thing the engine, was saved from the SHIRT
factory. The other tenants on TINS iloOr lose on an
average $50 each. The third floor MAS occupied by
a division of the Sons of Temperance and as the
arInory of the Rockwell Corps. The temperance
society saved only their charter and organ. heir
armory were saved with the exception of a small
amount of county property. A ioud report neaTd
while the fire was raging IN he alm0ry gave rise 10
a rumOr that large number of cartridges had eX-
pl0ded. Captain Garrett says that there were very
few cartridges IN the building, ana thdt theSe were
in a small drawer which could not be unlocked.
The report il attributed to au explosion OF AIR.
The Presbyterian Church was erected i'll 1867 and
has been Improved at various tunes since.
Ii cost about $40 600 including the organ and fur
nishIngs and was insured for from $4,000 10
$4,000. The church spiTe ignited about $50
O'Clock. When it was seen that the chlTeh was
doomed Professor Farr tOlcd its death knell on tina
bell in the ateepe. At 8 the spiIe was blazing;
Above 1t the faithful town clock toiled the last sad
requiem. Six strokes sounded, and the hammer
stopped few minutes later the spire fell into the
street. The church Of this society was destroyed
III the great fire OF May 81, 1864.