The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-09-06
A BRAVE PEOPLE.
The Inhabitants of Gardiner. Despite
Saturdays Big Fire, Full Of
Hope and Courage.
An Eye Witness Story of How a
Prosperous Town Was Re-
duced to Ashes.
The People short of Food and Clothing
But Kind Friends Come to Their
Rescue.

GARDINER, Sept ESPECIAL to the In
dependent THE little mountain hamlet
Of Gardiner to-day presents a scene Of des-
olation pitifuI in the extreme Along the
strset formerly occupied by business
houses only heaps of rubbish are seen,
from which wreaths Of smoke ascend and
ftfui flashes of flame continually appear.
The saddened faces of the inhabitants tes-
tfy the depth of their misfortune, while
bandaged and blistered hands speak elo-
quently of the sturdy but futile efforts
made in eontending with the fire on Satur-
day last. There are no wells in the towp,
which is situated on a high bench over
looking the Yellowstone, from which its
supply Of water is obtained by the old
fashioned means of wagons and water bar
rels When, therefore. the emergency
arose there was no means of lighting the
flames.
The origin of the fire. which began at II
O'Clock a m, is something of a mystery
but is supposed to have been started by a
a lighted match OF q cigar stub carelessly
thrown under the sidewalk in front Of
PhiscatOr's saloon. Its presence was first
announced to several men who were play
ing billiards in the building by smoke
which issued from crevices in the door.
There was half a barrel Of water in the sa-
loon, which proved insufficient for the oc-
casion, and despite every effort the build
ing WAS soon in 1ames. A moment later
the TWO story frame building of Geo. Stull
was burning, and seeing the contest must
be hopeless every effort was made by the
thTOng 20 save the goods of X. L. Smith,
whose business house. stocked with gen
ersl merchandise and occupied as q
pOstOffice, was next door. In fifteen
minutes the willing workers twere driven
from this building, but in that time goods
of an estimated value of $4,000, the post
office boxes, books, and a sack of United
States mail, just received and not distrib
uted, were saved and placed in fanefed
security upon a vacant plat of ground sixty
leet distant The wind was low blowing
q hurricane, and lt became apparent that
the greater portion of the town was
doomed. Confusion reigned supreme. All
Hort to stay the spread OF the nre was
abandoned, and men, women and children
strOve to save household goods and other
fleets, unfortunately with but little sue
cess LeapiDg Second street the flames
licked up the frame structure of Mr.. Nut
son. George Welcomes three buildings
next disappeared, and without hindra1ce
the fire Continued until every building on
the street was consumed.
In the opposite direction and to the west
the same story was reported, but the wind
veering the flames reached out and de-
etrOyed the goods saved from Smiths store.
Two buildings at the extreme end of this
line, one belonging to Mr. Brown and
another to 5. y. Fitzgerald, escaped. In
less than an hour the work of destruction
was complete.
As soon as news of the catastrophe
rescued Cinnibar il was telephoned to the
Mammoth Hot Springs, and without delay
0ig-hesrted George Wakefield laid in a
supply of hsked bread and flour, together
with the necessities, and FASTENED TO the
relief OF the unfortunates, while Captain
Boutelle, in command of the troops in the
Park, sent down a number OF army tents
which proved Of great service. Others
rendered such aid as it was in their power
to extend.
Owing 10 over-exhaustlon and the intense
heat several men tainted during or shortly
after the IRE. and several ladies were
carried awsy unconscious, to receive such
care as kind friends could render. Mrs.
Fairfax was i'll in bed, and only removed
as the flames burst into the room which
she occupied.
By hard work Joe Daley managed to save
some portion of his stock OF groceries and
general merchandise.
The INDEPENDENT cOrrespondentfound
Mrs. Al Coffin in a tent, surrounded by a
few remnants Of fruits and confectionery
saved from the general wreck. Pointing
to her son. lad of probably years, she
said: THAT boy hasn't change of clothes
and when the fire was over hadn't hat.
had his clothes in a valiSe, which he took
out in the street at what was supposed to
be a safe distance. Shortly after the wind
seemed 10 whIrl suddenly about. rolled il
back toward the FIRE and II WAS consumed =
To the inquiry as 10 whether her husband
would rebuild she replied, 81 don't know.
We had just completed our house and q
week ago we paid the last note Of our In
debtedness; now it's all gone" She theE
exhibited a curiosity consisting of glass
show case in which a quantity of fresh
fruit had been exhibited. The glass had
not cracked but the fruit was perfectly
baked.
George Welcome was b ard TO remark.
swell, i have lost heavily, but my wife and
kids are left. l can AFFORD to be thankful
fer that"
K Smith not only lost his store and
goods but his dwelling and all II contained.
except a few bed ticks and quilts. Even
his coat that was thrown on as an impedi-
ment to his exertions, was consumed.
The pOstofnce is now located in tent
under the care Of Deputy Postmaster c
save all the records. Outside the canvas
appears blackb board upon which is writ
ten in chalk "United States postoffice." I"
Mails arrive and depart as usual. 5ut the
one pouch which contained undstributed
matter. escaped at first, only to 20 up in
flames a short time afterwar6
The people are on short rations. though
no suffering has occurred. ). y. Fitzger-
aid sets free table and all are welcome.
Each contribute what they can to the bill
Of fare. which thus far consists chiefly of
bread, vegetables furnished by neighbOr-
ing ranchmen AID canned goods saved
from the wreck. But this condition OF af-
fairs will probably be to some extent rem
edied before long.
The feed and boarding stables of J. C.
ha da
ton, for which that gentleman is duly
thankful
Mr.. Smith will ct once rebuild
and in two weeks time expects TO be
in temporary quarters. From what cou d
be learned II seems probable that in a short
time most OF the other business houses
will resume operations