Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-04-16

!, Churchs shop; ?, boiler; s. course OF boiler. tact
uAl measured distance 2GI feeD 4, Browns bAru; 5,
horse killed. G, cows; foundry; S, house aud barn
Of Chas PufIer; g. r. d. Browns house; 10, A. Al
words house; II, Smith Hunts factory; r. shed Of
foundry.
The accident took place at a most oppor-
tune moment, as it happened that there WAS
no one in the road in front OF the shop, where
the bricks fell as thick rain drops. Im-
mediately after the explosion alarm Of fire
was given, the steamers and hook and ladder
company were called out, ard what little fire
sprung up was sor-. sItinRuishsd. The alarm
was given by Chef Engineer Howe himself,
who was at home, heard the explosion, saw
the boiler 60 through tn air, aud at once
called an alarm by telephone pre- csution
against the fire which nine times out OF ten
would have resulted in such case. Mar
shall Bingham, the engineer, had only mo-
ment before stepped out Of the engine room
into the main building. He claims that when
he left the pressure OF steam was at about 20
pounds, the water in the glass gauge was in
sight, but he cannot say definitely whether
the pump was working at the time or not.
The boiler was lG feet long weighed 300
pounds, was rated at 30 horse power, and
had been in use between - and II years A
year ago last fall it was overhauled, fitted
with new hues, and pronounced good for
ten years additional service.
The cause of the accident cannot per
haps, be exactly fixed, but it seems in
credible that with pressure Of only 10
pounds Of steam the boiler could be hurled
so great distance. 1t is believed that either
the steam gauge did not record correctly or
the water gauge was at fault and the water
out. In the opinion Of experienced men the
water must have got low in the boiler, the
sheets became red hot, and the Introduction
OF cold water caused the sudden formation Of
the explosive gas which did the destructive
work but opposed to this theory is the fact
that the safety plug remained intact.
1t was a curious scene of ruin and de-
struction which the immediate vicinity of the
wreck presented. Everything was entirely
covered with brok brick, mortar, splinters,
mud aud dust. The so foot chimney was
tumbled in heap without so much as one
brick left in its place on another; even the
mortar was cleaned of the bricks A1ioin
ing buildings looked as though they had been
through a canuonade. Bricks were thrown
over Smith & Hunts five.story shop aud
came down through the roof Of the dry house
beyond. The garden of Anderson Alvord
was filed with boards and rubbish and large
splinters were driven into the l. part of Ed
ward Fox's house. Windows and states of
two or three adjoining buildings were also
broken. Parts of the governor we're found
in Mr.. Fox's yard, the whistle in Mr.. Browns,
and the steam gauge OF 80 pounds weight
near Mr.. AlvoTds gate. A reasonable theory
OF the wreck of the chimney is that the con.
cussion from the explosion caused it to spread
open at the bottom, letting the whole struct-
ure down in an instant.
Though the noise of the explosion was not
generally noticed on Main street, many per-
sons in different parts OF the village heard
the noise, felt the shock, and several looking
mt the hnilaF faE Ia iia n obi III 4
air. People who live near by say that there
was premontory noise or conclusion be
fore the final shock, which gave them time
TO look out and see what was coming. The
general impression is that the boiler went 30
to 90 feet high over the foundry store. house,
but the fact that it caught in the electric
wires directly over the building entanglng
them in its tiues, shows that such could not
have been the case,
Mr.. Church estimates his lost at $1,000
which is probably not too high a figure; he
RECEIVERS nothing by insurance. He will or.
der new boiler at once which will be here
within two weeks. Good progress has been
made In clearing away the wreck. and the
work Of laying the brick walls for a new en-
CINE house will begin to-day. 1t will be push
ed forward and the chimney carried up as
rapidly as possible. Mr.. Church hopes the
interruption OF his work will not exceed three
WEEKS or month at tarthest He fluids his
engine uninjured except in one or two minor
points.
Power for the iron foundry will be tempo
Tarily supplied from Smith q Hunts engine
by wire cable. Connection was made this
morning and cast Of iron will be made this
afternoon.
subscription paper was promptly put in
circulation for Mr. Ohuroh's benefit and mn.
ward Of 5000 has already been subscribed
to aid him in repairing the damage and buy
ing new boiler.
Over $50 was raised for II. d. Brown and
presented to him Wednesday eveninR-a sum
which probably makes good his loss by the
uneeremonious visit Of the boiler.
sympathy for Mr.. Church rs universal and
equally 80 is the admiration for the undis.
mayed courage and genuine Yankee Grit
which he exhibits. He is a man of almost
unexampled diligence and industry. and
though his difficulties have been many he
does not waver for a moment under this nav
load, and only asks for a square chance IN
start up and 90 on with his work. The pub.
ho are glad to know that his affairs have
frightened much In the past year or two.
Pluck and perseverance, like his are worth
more than money capital aud deserve reoop-
milton and encouragement by the commupitS