Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1892-09-24
A NARROW ESCAPE !
Snow I'M Threatened With De
struction by Fire.
THE BUCKET BRIGADE.
II Did Noble Work and the Town
was Saved.

The cry Of fire about half past O'Clock
Tuesday morning and the blowing of
whistles and the ringing Of bells an
nounced "a fire in the stables of Thomas
ID. Purncll, Esq, IN the rear of his resi-
donce. on Washington street, not Tar from
the center of the town. II was scarcely
five minutes after the alarm was first
given before the streets were filled with
men. women and children armed with
buckets, the only means in Snow Hill for
lighting a fire. The wind was blowing
high and when ii became known that the
fire was eating up Mr.. Purnell's barn,
stables and icehouse. and closing in upon
his residence. the opinion was very gen
cral that the business portion Of the town
al least, would be laid III ashes in very
short while Thanks 10 the hard work
and determination of her citizens, both
white and colored, Snow Hill was saved.
j J. Collins steam saw and grist mill
and lumber yard were in the rear Of the
burning stables At one time the mill
WI ltN-HbN0t anu
dwelling, the residence of +. p. Davis. on
the opposite side of the street, the iesi-
dencc of Mrs. Mamie Dryden, in another
section of the town. which caught fire
from flying sparks, and small house in
the rear of the Smith Guards armory, oc-
cupied by colored, people were on fire
The mill office with the barn. stables and
ice house, was consumed.
The fire on the roof Of Mr.. Davis's
house was soon extinguished, as was also
at that Mrs. Dryden's. Attention was then
directed 10 prevent the burning of Thos.
ID. Purnells residence, which was the only
apparent hope of saving the town. A
line of men formed To the river, passed
buckets OF water To those on the roof
and around the building White and col
ored men fought the flames with all their
might, and when one was compelled 10
fall out for a breathing spell another
quickly took his place. until the Roadway
of the fire was checked toward the Pur-
nell residence. Efforts were then made
10 save the numerous piles of lumber in
the mill-yard from burning. Already
several piles were on fire, and the under
taking establishment of Burbage IL Con-
ner and the armory were in great danger
\ telegram was sent to Salisbury by
one of The town commissioners asking
for aid. Soon word was received that
the Salisbury fire department was on its
way 10 Snow Hill, but il was not long af-
ter this word was received that the fire
was under control, and the fire depart
ment received word at Salisbury to that
effect So hard was the fire fought that
the damage mentioned will not reach
more than two thousand dollars Promi
ncnt citizens of the town are loud in their
praises of the heroic work Of the colored
men. Several of them took hazardous
risks 10 save property, while they had
little al stake themselves. Snow Hill
certainly had narrow escape. and her
citizens are correspondingly happy al
their deliverance.
After the fire had gotten well underway,
so sure were some that the town was
doomed that many began TO pack up their
most valuable goods aud had made ar
rangements 10 have them carried to
places of safety