The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-05-09
Williamson & Adams's Veneer-Work
Warehouse Goes Up in Raging Flames.
II Is the Second Time the Works Have Been
Destroyed by Fire in Two Years-lnsur-
ance on Stock About 10000.
Cottages on Archer and John Streets
Catch Fire and Burn Like finder.
The Locality Unsupplied with Water and the
Wind UufavOrable 10 Battling with the
F~lames-Loss About $4,000.

For O second time in two years hre mas
proved unusually destructive in that part
of the city east of the Big
-Four tracks and west of Dorman
street, where there is q very inadequate
supply of water. The fire last night was
first discovered In the warehouse of WILL
hanson e. Adams. manufacturers OF
veneers. 1t fronts on Archer street. a half
square north of Johns street, and
was packed from floor to ceiling.
When discovered the flame was bursting
out of the roof from the east end. and soon
enveioped the entire building. The alarm
was turned in from Box 10 by the
wstchman at the peg-works. Another
box was pulled about the same time. and
almost simultaneously the alarm was
sounded from the tower by John LogsdOn,
whose own home was in the square of the
fire. and was only saved by strenuous effort.
When Chief Webster arrived he saw the
danger to the neighborhood from wind and
lack of water, and sent In q second alar m.
The infammabIe material burned with
incredItable rapidity. The warehouse was
formerly known as Steele's barn. and was
as dry as q Undertook. 1t burned up and
left the hard wood stocks of veneer stand
ing like lumber piled in a yard.
The shower of sparks was corr espond-
lnrly thick. and brands were borne
in tho strong south and west wind
upon the dry roofs of q row
of buildings on John street The one occu-
pied by Logsdon, the tower Waterman,
was saved by keeping q stream of water
playing upon il. 1t was damaged slightly
by being scorehed. The house to
the east. No. 40. occupied by
Barney McManns had the roof burned OH.
The household goods were removed in safe
ty across the street, but were somewhat
damaged. No. 142. on this street. occu-
pied by John Twenty. q member
of the federal army. stationed
at the arsenal. also caught fire. but the
blaze was put out before much damage was
done. His household goods. however.
were injured in the hasty removal
across the street. His mOther-in-law.
Mrs. Lewis. had been first aroused
time for prompt action. The ~outhouses
and stables on these lots were all de-
stroyed.
The heat caused the stable to the east of
the warehouse to catch fire. but the horses
and vehicles were removed In safety.
1t was coupled by Waddey IL Son. grocers.
The loss here will reach $500. on which
there is a partial insurance. A double
IIam6 uWclllnH. bl8O W tue chSt, lIOutlnk
on Belle street and belonging to
Mr.. Hathaway. was partially de-
stroyed. The scarcity of water Was
felt more severely IN lighting the spread of
the flames In this direction. The inham-
mable nature OF every building IN reach
of heat or brand made il catch under
the brisk wind and burn with exasperat-
ing swiftness-
opposite the warehouse. were closer than
those OF John street, but were in q measure
protected by the direction of the wind. A
slight veering to the west soondeveloped,
az . . rd 6Ssn Of f 1hs h spnsas occ ss > h Sy
George Bedell.. William Schaup, John Mem
lmer, ". A. Clark and w. VI. Power. Be-
dell and wife are visiting in Gin
%s srsS z Nv HIS ih.nr, ioss in rs thu bsily Gs, soy1
Mutual. The double house. occupied by
the Memmer and Shoup families.
was the most damaged, the roof
being totally destroyed. The Memmer
family was not at home. Mr.. Memmer be-
ing in Lafayette. and no estimate of the
damage to household goods could be Oh
tanned. These two double houses be-
long to Won spreekelman. and are prOba-
bly, insured for more than the loss.
In addition to the above details of
damage. o stable belonging. to
Henry Ruskaup was destroyed. and a house
on DOrman street was slightly damaged
by a blazing spark which lighted on
"a much fear. and every family stood ready
TO move household goods at the shortest
notice. 1t seemed at first that the whole Of
that part of the city was in serious an
ger. An orchard on the property of Mrs.
Hanna-Logsdon, who owns the house
on John street which was DAM
aged. was partially destroyed. A grape
arbor In the rear of the corner house, o.
cupied by II. G. Schangel. was also dam
aged.
The origin of the fire has only one expla-
natioD-lncendiarism. A story was current
in the crowd that a man had been seen
running along the side of the warehouse
with q lighted shaving of wood in his hand.
There was left no clew by which the mis-
creant can be detected.