The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-06-09
MAYO'S FACTORY BURNED.
The Alarm Turned In About 3 O'Clock This
Morning.
THE PLUG DEPARTMENT A TOTAL LOSS.
The Origin of the Fire Not Known-Hard to
Estimate the Damage-All the Apparatus
in the City Called Out.

At exactly five minutes past 3 o'clock this
morning the fire bells began their clamor and
sounded Box ST. This is private box. andbs
located in the P. II. Mayo q Brother
Tobacco Company's large factory at the
corner of Seventh and Cary streets.
Almost before the bells ceased ringing
the blazes were bursting from almost every
window in the top floor, and before the fire
department could possibly reach the spot the
north side Of the immense building seemed
wrapped in flame.
The fremen responded promptly and in tho
quickest time imaginable they were at work.
Engine after engine followed each other
in quick succession, and the clamor
of hose reel and truck seemed everywhere but
all seemed to no avail. such headway had the
fire gained ID spread rapidly indeed, and at
this writing there seemed to be no
chance of saving any part of the building.
and it seemed more than probable that Tho
entire structure would 60 A few minutes
after the first alarm went in the three SKIES
were sounded, and that alarm brought every
steamer and truck TO the fire, with
one exception. and at exactly $40 the general
alarm, 92, was sounded, which brought out tho
remaining steamer and truck. Shortly after tho
general alarm the two tens were sounded,
which means to cut of the electric current.
and the whole city was left in darkness, save
the light from that lurid glare which was
cast many squares by the burning building.
mi H., 20 ba tha Nc
gest fire which Richmond has experienced FOR
many years 1t is impossible TO tell at this
time What the loss will be.
The loss of the one factory alone will run
up above the tens Of thousands, and q num-
ber of other buildings are In imminent
danger.
The city electric-light plant is situated Just
across Seventh street from the burning buiid-
ing, and Allen Il Ginters cigarette factory is
diagonally opposite, and number of other
large buildings are located 80 close as 10 be In
great danger.
The fire department Of Richmond has
proven itself to be one of the most efficient
in any city in the country. and it Is only their
good work which can save the surrounding
buildings. to say nothing of any part OF tho
factory.
The fire originated in the plug department,
and seemed to come first from the upper win-
dows. but no cause OF It's origin could be as
signed.
At AIS o'clock it was burning more brightly
than ever, and though working With
might and main, the men seemed
making little headway. 1t was i'm
possible. by reason of the late hour at
which the fire broke out, 10 even estimate tho
loss. but any one who has ever seen that great
establishment. the pride OF Richmond,
as tobacco manufacturing ce"fra caln form a
better idea than can be deseiiDvaof the I'M
mensity Of the blaze and Of the enormous
loss. While the loss is not known.
it is said positively to be fully covered, what
ever il may be, by insurance. Granting that
that be true however the loss 10 the firm will
be heavy one by the incoD-
venience and loss Of trade canssd
by delay and by the destruction Of all books
and papers which were not locked up IN tho
safes and vaults.
Besides the loss 10 the firm large number
of persons will necessarily be thrown out Of
employment. as several hundred hands were
employed daily in the establishment, and
the weird. drawing music from the tbroats or
the factory hands. which is so familiar
10 Virginia people, will not bo heard again In
the p H. Mayo n Bro. Gncorporated) factory
for many months 10 come.
At 40 this morning the frernen were still
hard at work endeayoring 10 save the portion
of the building facing on Cary street, and the
office. and chances are that tho odepartmenrwill
be successful. Any information OF definite
character is still unattainable All that Is
known is that the first appearance OK
fire was O flame seen rushing out OF the
elevator shaft above the drying-room.
and it spread with wonderful rapdity, max
ing such headway that it was impossible TO be
controlled until that entire portion or
the building with its contents were destroyed.