New Ulm weekly review. [volume] (New Ulm, Minn.) 1878-1892, 1889-09-11
WlNONA SCORCHED.
Fire Destroys the Saw Mills and
Yards of the Laird Norton Com
pany at Winona.
Twenty-Five Million Feet Of Lum-
Der Destroyed, Entailing a
Loss Of $4,000.

Loss Of $4,000.
WINoNA, Special Telegram: The Laird
Norton Lumber company has been visited
by another disastrous fire Its i'm.
mense lumber yards on the river front were
burned, together with several warehouses
and other buildings. Nearly a quarter of q
million dollars went up in smoke inside OF
three hours. Shortly before 2 o'clock in
the afternoon smoke was seen issuing from
one Of the lumber piles back of the black
smith shop. The fire then had such
Roadway that it seemed impossible
An alarm was turned in at
ringing of bells soon brought the entire fire
department. and every hose company in the
city to the spot, while thousands OF laborers
and business men lent their aid in checking
the fire. But their efforts for time seemed
practically futile The dry piles of lumber
We're roaring masses of flames, extending for
blocks al a stretch, and it soon became APP
parent that the entire yard of the Laird
Norton company, and possibly the mills and
yards of the Empire Lumber company and
Winona Lumber company were doomed.
Mayor Ludwig teiegraphed at once for aid
from La Crosse and ST. Paul, the former city
getting fire engine and hose company and
several men here by $50 O'clock For
while fear seized everybody that the
ENTIRE LUMBER DISTRICT
would have to go. At the end of the Laird
Norton company's yard slight space inter-
vened before the Empire Lumber company's
er1o IT. I11o
that here the fight for supremacy must be-
made, aud the gallant fremen braved the
scorching heat as best they could, sheltering
themselves by doors as they fought the
fire away. 1t was not until after o'clock
that the citizens rested assured that further
progress of the fire eastward would be pre-
vented. In the meantime the flames took
everything in their way. A brave fight saved
the Laird-Norton company's big saw mills,
dry sheds and planning mills although the fire
fiend made heavy inroads into the blocks
east of them. There were dozens of streams
playing on the fire from all directions but
the water only seemed to fan the flames into
greater fury Chief Smith managed his men
admirably and is entitled to the highest
credit for the good judgment he displayed.
About 4:3O an additional calamity called
some of the fremen to the upper levee. The
fine buildings occupied by the city pumping
works took fire in the boiler room while both
pumps were working at high pressure. The
roof of the building was burned and the ma
chinery deluged with water, but the eng-
neer stood at his post midst the smoke aud
flames and kept the pumping works going.
The departments of Red Wing, Lake City
and Wabasha
WERE TELEGRAPHED FOR
at this jun cture, as it was feared that the
pumping works would have to shut down,
but later in the evening 1t was deemed un
necessary to bring them all down, and word
was sent for them not to come. At o'clock
the fire was under good control, although
burning iercely in it's confined space. The
fremen were nearly exhausted with their
hard work, but kept up bravely under the
heat. The Lalrd-Norton company put out
fine spread for the boys supper. and dozen
streams at a later hour tonight are still
playing on the flames. The St Paul de-
partment arrived at half past seven
on special train. Although the danger was
over it was thought best to hold them here
while for relieving the Winona boys. About
6 O'clock the main pump at the water W. rks
gave way. The scene along the levee to-
burned lumber and buildings, while
thousands Of spectators form dark outline
to the burning debris The firemen are still
playing nearly score of streams on all the
burning material and guarding carefully the
property that was saved from the fierce
flames of the afternoon. As near as can be
estimated
THE LOSS OF LUMBER
is about %, 100000 feet, 100000 feet Of
shingles and 100000 feet of laths. Be-
sides this there were burned two brick store
houses filed with building paper, sash, ETC.
The total loss is in the neighborhood of
$500, 900, while the insurance foots up only
$40, 500, divided among twenty-five mu-
tual and semi mutual companies. Although
the Oldest and wealthiest company in the
Northwest. the Laird-Norton company will
feel severely the loss at this time of the
year with orders coming in briskly and logs
scarce and high. The loss of almost their
entire stock on band comes as depressing
blow. Two years ago the company
lost 100000 by the burning
of their saw mill. The firm
are men of wealth and influence throughout
the entire Northwest and are noted for their
philanthropy and public spirit. The hun
dreds of hands that Lent willing aid to them
in their loss to-day shows how highly they
are held in the city they have so substan-
TALLY helped to build up. Among other losses
by the fire are: William Miller ice house,
$3.50; insured for $500. Charles Green,
goods stored in warehouse, $3.50. J. McCon-
mel. house. 500. J. L Harris, wool in store
500. The origin or the fire is unknown.
Charles Grafton. well known young
painter, while assisting in tearing down q
lumber pile, was thrown from the pile by a
stream OF water, striking on the ground
thirty feet below on his head producing con-
custom OF che brain.
Chat rman Abbott Bounced.
CHICAGO, Special: Theextraordinary dead
lock over the craftsmanship OF the Western
States Passenger association came TO CHI
max to-day. When the general managers
of the various railroads belonging 10 the