Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1886-11-20
DISASTROUS CONFEDERATION.
Complete Destruction Last Night OF the
Capital Wooden Mills.


Complete Destruction Last Night of the
Capital Wooden Mills.
At 1920 last night an alarm OF fire was
sounded from box 81, at Twelfth and D
streets, but for some minutes previously
bright light had been observed in the
northeastern portion of the city. The fire
department was en- route for the scene in
brief time, and as they neared it, and saw
that the blaze was at the Capital
Wooden Mills, they redoubled their
exertions, but before the apparatus got
on the ground the property was past
saving. Hose had to be led for
some distance, but the supply OF water was
good The mills were well stocked with
wool and other material, and q good sup
ply of fuel had been laid in, all of which
gave the flames substance TO feed upon,
and, despite everything that could be done,
the fire made clean sweep, and, except
ing the fence surrounding the premises,
there is nothing left that could be burned.
Even the cabins occupied by the Chinese
employed at the establishment, and To-
Gated at a considerable distance from the
main buildings. were enveloped in flames,
but the railroad fire train saved one OF
them, near the track, after the roof had
been burned.
THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE.
VIM. Green. the Waterman, states that
he was in the building, attending TO his
duties as usual, when he detected the smell
of smoke. Looking about for the cause,
he discovered flames near the smokestack.
In every portion of the building hand gre
nades were hung no, and there was
hose throughout the place. He seized
several of the grenades and threw them at
the fire, but without beneficial result. He
then ran for the hose but could not get it
stretched so as 10 reach the right place.
There was light breeze prevailing from
the southeast, and in an astonishing short
space of time the shingle roof Of the main
building was blazing, the fire having ran
over it almost as though train had been
set, the wood being as dry as finder. a
messenger had 70 run several blocks TO
turn in an alarm, and of course the
fire department got it too late to be of
service. Sylvester Tryon, Superintendent
and main owner OF the mills, was
asleep at the time OF the alarm, and, as
Mrs. Tryon did not suspect that the fire was
anywhere near the mandatory, she did
not arouse him until a messenger rang the
bell and reported the facts. Mr.. Tryon
hastened to the scene of his many years of
exertion and struggle for success, arriving
to find only a mass of ruins remaining of
the establishment he had carried along 10
prosperity by dint of energy, industry and
indomitable perseverance.
NEW sMoKEsTAcK
Was erected about three months ago, and
especial pains were taken to render every
thing secure about it ; consequently danger
was not apprehended from that quarter.
OF course, il was realized that ii fire
started the inflammable nature of the ma
terial about the place would cause it to
spread rapidly, and as mentioned above,
every facility for eXtinguishing il was pro-
vided. The works had been running full
handed for some time, and there were
several thousand dollars worth of
manufactured goods on hand, and
probably $1,000 or $4,000 worth
of wool and other raw material. The
loss is estimated at between $4,000 and
$50, O00. There was considerable insur-
ance, but, as the rate fixed by the insurance
companies for such risks is very high, the
amount placed does not approximate the
loss. son of Mr.. Tryon's, who is at
present sick in bed, is quite loser in a
small way, having kept in building near
the works so or 100 chickens, of the
choicest breeds, being an enthusiast in the
matter OF raising fowls. Nearly every one
of his pets persisted. The
CAPITAL WOODEN MILLS COMPANY"
Was incorporated April 80, 1868, with
capital stock of 100000. Their mills were
destroyed by fire September 10, 1874, but
were rebuilt of brick, the principal building
being CODY PIC feet, with lateral extensions
40 by 60 feet, and one story in hight They
were located on two blocks OF land.
B, C, Sixteenth and Eighteenth streets, and
employed about sixty persons, including
many women. The machinery was of the
latest and most improved pattern, and lat
terly a fine piece was added at cost
of $500. When running at its full
capacity it worked up about LOGO pounds
of wool per day. A sixty horsepower en-
CINE furnished motive power for the ma
chinery In addition to the people en-
ployed at the works, a large number were
occupied in making up apparel at the com
pany's store on street. 1t is apprehended
that the mills will not be rebuilt, and, if
so, the city will be ferrous loser, as we'll
as those directly interested.