Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-11-09
HALF PALATKA IN RUINS.
BUT TWO STORES LEFT OUT OF
ALL IN THE CITY.

The Origin of the Fire Somewhat of a
Mystery-The Loss $55O,OOO and the
Insurance &25O,OOO - NapOleOnvine's
Business Portion Devastated-Other
COnhaGratiOns.
PALATKA, FLA, Nov. S.-This beautiful city
the gem of the South, was visited by de-
strHctive fire at lO:l5 o'clock last night. When
the alarm was sounded many who were in bed
quickly came to the scene. The fire Origi-
mated in a small building used as a store
room for furniture, directly behind negro
barber shop. The wind was blowing at an So
mile rate. The fire soon spread. Those who
were at the scene of the fire when it first broke
out smelled kerosene very strongly. The
flames spread to the building formerly occu-
pied as the Hotel Palatka, which was
soon envelOped in sheet of
fire. At this point the Mayor telegraphed to
Jacksonville for assistance. That city
promptly responded. The home company,
which consisted of one steamer and hand en-
gine baStled, with the flames, but their fight
was of no avail. The whole square was an
easy prey. DevereuX. Rogers & Sons i'm
mense dry goods and grocery establishment
was soon in flames, and the many cOmbusti-
BILE materials contained added fuel to the
flames. The fire spread across Water street,
and Grifin's large brick block succumbed. In
the meantime Graham's Hotel caught, and
when that building was fast being consumed
the citizens realized that the business portion
of Palatka was doomed.
THE SWEEP OF THE FLAMES.
The flames swept on, and Col. Hart's build
ings were soon enwrapped in the fiery gulf.
The whole of Lemon street, from Water to
Lemon, was a lurid mass of fire. At IL: :55
O'Clock the beautiful Larkin House caught,
and in forty minutes all that was left of it,
with its wharf and accessories, was shoulder
ing ruins. In the meantime the flames were
creeping slowly towards the Putnam House
on Front street, and at l2 O'Clock it succumbed
to the fate which awaited it. and the hOstlery
which was the pride Of the South was
Here the fire was fought with
desperation and by work which cannot
eyer be told. The south side of Lemon street,
including the Fry brick block, was saved, and
by perseverance and tearing down buildings
the block which is bounded by the Westmore-
land was saved. On the docks the fire was
met bv Il determined and persistent struggle,
and by the combined efforts of the fire depart
ment and the government steamer Chesa-
peake, which played two strong hose, the
fire was brought under control, thus saving
the HerGld and Nea0s buildings and the Flor
ida Southern wharves. At o'clock the Pres
byterian Church caught, and soon was re-
duced to ashes.
ONLY TWO STORES LEFT.
The fire destroyed the whole business por-
tion Of the city. Not store remains except
groceries. The town is destitute of necessi-
ties. The loss will approximate $7j0.000, on
which there is insurance of about $250,000.
Mdny lOoG JuClT dll, anu Will not Dc dDlC 10 re-
sumo business again. Among the many in
cidcnts of the fire was the refusal of the ne
gr0e> to lend their aid They seemed uncOn-
ccrned. and only by threats were they made
to respond.
Some Of them employed themselves in pilfer-
ing, and, in not Il few instances, goods were
taken from them. The cOndEct of the negroes
In refusing assistance gave rise to rumors
that excited great deal OF feeling against
them, and 1t is feared that they may commit
eXcesses. The town il being patrOlled to-
night. In an interview with some OF the
prominent business men i5 is learned that
they will resume business AS soon as suitable
rooms can be prepared. Taking it as a whole,
this cOnflagration is the largest ever known
in tlOrida'S history. he people can hardly
realize that their beautiful town is IN ashes.
The blow is a stunning one, but it has not dis
hear'cned the people. Those who have been
burned out Will rebuild as s0On as they can
make arrangements, and Palatka VIII rise
more beautiful than ever.
NAPOLEONvILLE DEVASTATED.
THIBODEAUX, la, Nov. AT 1ls O'Clock
last night "A fire broke ont in Dupoty's Hotel,
which resulted in the destruction of the entire
business part of the village of NapoleOnville,
including the Masonic Hall, DAD Fellows
Hall and many stores and residences. The
only important buildings saved are the court
house, parish jail, Catholic church and Epis-
cOpal church. Capt. J. L. Wilmington, a
prominent lawyer, persisted in the flames.
The total loss is estimated at 100000 and the
insurance at $4,000. There were no goods
residence.
$4,000 CONSUMED.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. S.-Fire broke out this
morning in the packing box mandatory of
Robert Q. Officer, at Nos. $40 and SI2 Swanson
street. The flames spread to the factory of
Thomas Tunis, in the rear. The buildings
above named were consumed, involving a loss
of $4,000 for Officer and $4,000 for Tunis. |
Three houses and a stable in the rear of
Eighth and Swanson streets, owned by Thorn |
as New. were also destroyed. The total loss |
is SI0,0C0 The insurance is unknown.
A planning MILL AND TWO DWELLINGS !
BURNED.
KANSAS CITY, Nov. S.-Fire a. Eighth and |
Olive streets last night destroye / the planning |
mill of William West and two adjoining |
dwellings. The loss is $4,000 and the in /
surance $4,000.
NINE MILLION FEET OF LUMBER BURNED /
DULUTH, MINI, Nov. 8.-Nine million feet |
of lumber burned in Paine & Co.'s lumber
yard at North Pacific junction to-day. Loss
$4,000.