Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-05-30
The Blue Ridge Springs Fire.

Blue RIDGE SPRINGS, Va, May "a, 1883.
10 the Editor or the Dispatch:
So many incorrect reports have been in
circulation about the recent calamity here I
ieel it my duty TO place before your readers.
many Of whom are my warm personal
friends, the details OF the unfortunate affair.
My business IN Chattanooga detained me
until my summer manager Of the stanton
House could arrive. In this he was delayed
by his duties as cashier OF the Purcell House,
Norfolk. until after the adjournment Of the
State Convention.
Realizing the importance OF commencing
work al the Springs as soon as possible my
wife arrived here on the Sth OF May, and
with six OF our old. reliable servants, who
have worked with US for fifteen summers,
she was rapidly putting the place IN beautiful
order.
On sunday morning about . O'Clock she
was awakened by asun'ocating sensation, and
immediately realizing the danger, rushed
into the bail and screamed for the servants
who were sleeping above. They quickly re-
sponded. though dazed aud almost suffocsted
by the dense smoke that had filed the balls
and rooms. Hand flre-grenades were bang
ing convenient, and armed with these they
went below IN search Of the tire and found
the partition wall in lumber-room at the
foot OF tho stairway on fire. The grenades
could not be used successfully, and resort
was made TO water by the bucket. The rub
Der hose was also attached 10 the hydrant,
and n hole cut above to throw the water in
from the Office floor, but Taylor Oyerstreet,
who was managing this, SAYS the fire was so
hot that II melted the rubber as fast as he
could apply II, and In all incredible short
while the building was wrapped in flames.
While these efforts were going on below my
poor wife was alone upstairs hoping and be-
lleylng that the flames would be eNtingush-
ed, and when the cry was given TO leave the
building she managed by perseverance to get
out three Of her partlally-packed trunks
She lost her watch, rings, room ornaments
lmany OF them very valuable), pictures,
books, furniture, and such things as a care.
ful housewife would collect in twenty years
OF our married life.
A telegram reached me Sunday morning
about 10 O'Clock telling me Of the sad catas.
tophe, and In thrty.6ve minutes | was on
the rspidly'moying train and arrived at 2:56
A. Nj. Monday, Just twenty-four hours after
the calamity.
The sm0uldering ruins aud Pickering
names OF my once beautiful mountain home
made weird and ghostly sight ] was
alone, Tor none knew that l could come so
quickly, and IS / wandered along the old
ishiiiar patnway-now strewn with rub
Dish and fragments of broken slate
IRON the fallen roof-I gaxed at the
barren bougbs OF the once beautiful
sbade-trees, which were planted by own
bands many years ago. Ny feelings can be
better imagined than can express them.
The night was very dark and knew not
where 20 find my poor wife, but yeptured
over the bridge, aud had taken only a few
steps on II when my hunting dog Caton
rushed up and placed his head sdectionalely
against me. Mute but unsel6sh friend, he
wss the only one 10 greet me. Where /
have for fifteen summers welcomed so many,
and with every consideration for their com.
fort and pleasure made Blue Ridge Springs
3 household name dear. l am sure, 10 many
who will read with sorrow the details Of this