Morning journal and courier., 1888-07-19
FAIR RAVENS BTc FIRE,

Ten Thousand Dollars Damage Bone
 First Serious Fire I'm About Thirty
 Years - The Local Department Do
 NobIY-Lawyer NiIess Action The
 Electric Light Question Burning
 One-General Notes Of Interest.
 A fire broke out in the Granniss block on East Grand avenue next the Quinnipiac bridge yesterday morning about 5 o'clock and it caused about $1O,OO0 damage. The block was burned to the ground and all the occupants were burned out completely. The heaviest losses outside of that of Miles Gran miss, owner of the.building, are those of R.W. Bronson and Patrick Gillen, who had saloons in the block. A number of pool tables be- sides all the fixtures and stock were burned Weston's restaurant and tailor's shop were cleaned out. How the fire started is a unys- tery but it is supposed that it originated from cigar stump thrown in box of sawdust which smouldered all night, long before breaking out in the morning.
 As soon as the fire was discovered an alarm was rung from the Second church bell and moment afterwards Frank Smith and Dexter Bradley had the engine house unlocked and the hose cart on the way to the fire. The hose was quickly adjusted and a stream of water brought to bear on the flames which at this time had the building pretty well in their grasp. Attorney W. P. Niles, who was aroused by the fire bell, was soon on the spot and fearing that the flames would spread he set ont I to get assistance from steamer 5. MT. Niles agreed to become personally responsible for the expense and after time the steamer was on the scene. The buildings near the burning structure were in imminent danger of being destroyed for time and but for the efforts or the local hremen they certainly would have been consumed. The fire 1addies held the flames well in check until the arrival of the New Haven steamer and wben the latter ar- rived lent valuable assistance to the men in laying hose, etc. Rowe 6 Hemingway's building just across the street came near be- ing destroyed. So hot were the flames that the paint began to peel off from the building and some of the tenants began to move their things out as rapidly as possible There were number of rockets, frecrackers, etc. Tn the burning building and when the fire reached them they went off in most fantastic style.
 Chief Dayton had only just inspected the hose and had it adjusted so that it would fit the hydrant. Had he not done this the fire would have been a much more serious one
 Some of the burgesses said last night that an effort would now be made right away to nave more hose purchased for the local de. partment and to have an arrangement made whereby the East Pearl street steamer can be counted upon in case it is needed This ar- engagement would not have tendency to do away with the local department as their services would be needed more than eyer to assist in laying hose and in doing other work necessary.
 An effort will be made to have the vote of Tuesday night regarding the electric light question changed. Some of those who yoted against the electric lights are now said to be in favor of them ,and when the matter comes up again it will not be surprising if vote ia taken to have the lights put in.
 Mrs. Arthur N. Rowe is visiting in Spring. field.
 James w. Hemingway or Quinnipiac street Is spending couple of weeks in New Mill ford.
 William W. Hemingway of Norfolk. Va. Is visiting his father, William F. Hemingway of North Quinnipiac street.
 Will Bishop is home for his vacation.
 Quite number of the Second church peo- pie went to High Rock Grove yesterday with the Humphrey street church people.
 W. P. Niles paid Chief Hendrick $1OO yes- terday for the use of steamer at the fire.
 Station Agent T. O.. Ives is to go to Cali fornia and Burt Ives will be his successor.
 Lucius Rowe's and Willis Hemingway's dry goods stores will close at D. m until September 1.
 At present there is not saloon in the bor- ough. the nearest being at the horse car sta- bles or at the Four Corners.
 The fire yesterday was the first serious one that has occurred in the Annex in a genera tion.