Great Falls tribune., 1888-12-12
BURNED DOWN.
THREE SALOONS FALL A PREY TO
THE FLAMES TODAY.
Much Excitement But No Disorder
The Firemen and Citizens
Acted Nobly-See that Your
Flues are all Right.

outbreak OF another fire. About 6 30
when people were lighting fires to pre-
pare breakfast several pistol shots were
fired to direct attention to the flames
which issued from Benson & Buffers
saloon on First avenue South, popularity
known as the Chop house.
In moment more the fire company's
whistle made the alarm general and the
firemen rushed quickly to the scene.
People hastened from their homes in
great number and were also promptly on
the spot. Goods and fixtures were re-
moved as quickly as willing hands could
do it. unheeding the burning mass
above their heads, Chief Hunt and his
brave comrades entered the building to
save all they could. They succeeded in
dragging out many things, but all were
more OF less DANA ged.
Meanwhile the flames which were first
seen around the chimney continued to
extend. They caught the gable and then
the side walls. They ran along the roof
inside and out. They Tapped up every
thing combustible that came in their
way and defied the efforts of the fremen
to check.them, water seemed of no avail
Soon the whole building was on fire and
presented an awe-inspiring spectacle as
the flames, mingled with smoke, ascend
ed in a mass and were swayed slightly by
the wind which fortunately was not
strong, but seemed to be caused by the
fire itself. A.. wM
In about Is minutes Benson q Buffers
saloon was reduced to a heap of ashes.
Seeing that it was impossible to save it.
the firemen and public at large had di-
rected their attention to checking the
flames. Almost simultaneously the
saloons on the east and west side took
fire. They were owned respectively by
Highly and W. R. Getz respectively. For
tuna1ely Mr.. Getz's large saloon near by,
known as the Board of Trade, was un-
harmed throughout and should not be
confounded with this. 1t was seen that
the only safe way to hold the fire in check
was to drag down the two adjoining
saloons. A strong rope was hitched to
Getz's saloon and at least hundred men
pulled with all their might. But the
wooden walls would not yield. Then
despite the intense heat and smoke, the
firemen and others placed heavy chain
through the window and door. The peo-
pie pulled and with a loud report the
wall gave way. Soon after the building
collapsed. The walls and roof fell al
most within the ground over which they
stood. This greatly relieved the suspense
OF those who feared that the burning
pieces might scatter and cause mere des-
tructlon.
Like effective work was done at Knute
Higbys saloon. Chains and ropes were
tied to it while 1t was still burning and
the building was so riddled that it soon
fell in.
It was an exciting scene as the people
tugged at thefchains. The word "heave"
would pass along the line and moment
after the cracking walls would announce
that the pull had been etfectual. There
was no lack of volunteers. Every foot Of
the chain had its man and if the chain
were twice as long it would have been
occupied.
1t was an awful scene when the three
buildings were burning together. The
flames and smoke intermingled formed
pillar of fire which was visible for
miles and gave the impression that the
whole square was prey to the devour-
ing element
While the fire was raging, further pre-
cautions were taken. The east walls and
roof of the Board of Trade saloon was
saturated with water and damp cloths
and blankets were hung on it to guard it
from the sparks and pieces of burning
timber which fell on it. -..-. ~
Precautions were also taken at Mr..
Quesnell's house at the back. Fred Pei
per posted himself there at the start and
with the aid of others almost covered it
elsewhere, Mr.. PEPPER "held the fort" and
thus saved that dwelling, whence the fire
might have gone northward if the wind
so listed.
THE BURNED HOUSES.
The saloon in which the fire began was
occupied by Benson & Butler 1t was
owned by Wildekopt & Kennedy The
building and fixtures were insured in
Phil Gibson's agency for $500. The
saloon was occupied by Nelson, who sold
out about seven months ago to Benson &
Butler.
The saloon on the east side was carried
on by Knute Highly. 1t was insured in
Phil Gibson's agency for 5000.
The saloon on the west side was in
charge of w. R. Getz. The building was
owned by Jerry Quesnell and was insured
in Hanks Il McClelland's agency for
$1,000.
NOTES.
A citizen who has had much experience
IN tiremen's work says: "Come down to
business. What is needed to protect the
business part of the town is q fire engine
with 1900 feet Of hose. These with a
cistern at First avenue South and Third
street and d station at the flume would
enable fremen to keep all fires in the
business district in check. The fire on
Saturday was 1,700 feet from the fume;
today's fire was 1000 feet"
Mrs Allen had some of her goods
stored in one of the burned saloons. She
saved them on Saturday, but they went
this time. She thanks the people for the
aid they gave her on Saturday.
Mr.. Cork, electrician for the light com
pany, says the whistle at the station was
blown for fully 80 minutes. The station