The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-20
BIG FIRES WEST AND EAST.
Burning Of the Fine and Elegantly Fur
nished Grannis Block at Chicago.
Nine Philadelphia Business Rooms Burned
and Six Others Damaged Losses in
Various Sections of the Country.
COSTLY FIRE AT CHICAGO.
Burning Of the Grannis Block-Lcss About
Quarter OF Million.

Burning Of the Grannis Block-Loss About
Quarter OF Million.
CHICAGO, Feb. 10 Fire is now raging with
great fury in the Grannis Block. on the east side
of Dearborn street, just south of Washington
The fire started at 5:45 p. NJ, and half an hour
later it was found necessary to turn in general
alarm. Twelve engines and a stand pipe are
now playing ON the flames and an immense
crowd of several thousand people is watching
the destruction of one of the finest blocks in the
city. 1t is impossible now to estimate the loss.
At the time the fire broke out the employees In
the Offices in the building were preparing to
leave for the night, and, so far as learned,
all escaped safely. The fire is said to have
originated at the bottom of the elevator shaft.
where, during the past week, new boiler had
been put in, and other Improvements made.
Latest reports say the flames are not yet out.
and already the loss by fire and water is very
considerable.
One hour from the discovery of the FIRE it was
plain that the whole block must go. The flames
then burst through the roof and brilliantly IL
Illuminated the scene for blocks around. Twenty
engines were now pouring enormous volumes of
water into the burning building, yet the flames
seemed to defy all attempts to suppress them.
At 815 the roof fell in, sending shower of
sparks up. and rumor that the walls were on
the point of falling scattered the crowd in all
directions. The material of the roof could now be
seen burning on the fifth floor. Flames poured
out of every window in front above the second
story, and it was feared it would be
impossible to save the Portland block.
on the corner of Washington and Dearborn
streets. On account of the intense cold it was
difficult to employ rhe engines to the best ad-
vantage. Occasionally pipe would burst, and
it would be several minutes before water could
be brought to play where it was most needed.
The standpipe did good service in drenching ad-
joining walls where there was danger Of fire
catching.
In the Grannis block are two banks, the Con-
tinental National and the National Bank of I'LL
nois The suddenness of the fire came near re-
sulting disastrously to the valuable books and
papers OF both banks, as the vaults being vet
open, and, on account Of the natural panic ensu-
ing it was rumored that the vaults had not
been closed and that heavy loss would
ensue. Inquiry, however proved the runor un-
founded. The vaults had been closed and the
officers of both institutions said they not at
all anxious as to the safety of their funds The
vaults are all re-proof, and the only inconveni-
enee will be the delay while waiting for the
safes to become sufficiently cooled off to make
access to them possible.
Before o'clock everybody about the neigh
borhood of the fire. having offices in the build
ing, or being employed there, had no doubt of
the total loss of the building and its contents,
except yaluabes in the fire-proof safes. The
building was for the most part occupied by law
yers, architects and insurance many of whom
will lose everything contained in their Offices.
1t is now known that two of the most valuable
law libraries in the city totally destroyed,
besides valuable papers which the occupants had
not sufficient time to put in the vaults
The Grannis block was erected about three years
ago. by Amos Granns, of this city, at cost Of
$4,000. The building was insured for 1920 coo.
Its location was most desirable for Office pur.
poses, and the building being arranged according
to the most approved plans as to convenience, its
tenants were, for the most part, prominent in
their professions having Offices expressly fitted
up which fact makes the estimates of loss of fur.
niture. etc. amount to $4,000. The fire was
partially under control at 9 O'Clock, and fears as
to the safety Of adjoining blocks were no longer
entertained.