The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1892-04-14
DISASTROUS FIRE.
MANITowoC's Most IMPORTANT INDUSTRY
GONE UP IN SMOKE. Loss $4,000,
200 LABoRERs THROWN OUT OF
EMPLOYMENT.

200 LABoRERs THROWN OUT OF
EMPLOYMENT.
On Monday night about 1915 boy in
the rafting room of the factory of the
Manitowoc Manufacturing Co. discover
ed small flame near the finishing de-
partment. He at once ran to turn in an
alarm and was soon startled by sound
like an explosion. Flames soon leaped
forth and it was soon apparent that the
factory in which the city took so much
pride was doomed. Although the fire
department was promptly on hand there
was not the least possible chance for its
checking the progress of the flames. The
streams of water turned to steam before
reaching the seat of the fire and made no
impression whatever. Soon thousands of
people had assembled but all were power
less to stay the destructive flames which
leaped toward the skies. The employees
were heart broken at the sight and every
one felt that the city in the destruction
of this factory was receiving blow from
which it could recover only by united
and earnest effort.
When it was discovered that the fac
tory could rot be saved every effort was
bent toward saving the Office which was
in the block west. A large quantity of
lumber was also stored there; the wind
was then from the east and the intense
heat proved too much for the office and
it took fire and burned. The lumber also
became a total loss. The remainder of
the block was vacant, the buildings hav-
ing been removed when the realty was
purchased by the Lake Shore & Western
about two years ago. Had the wind been
from the west the factory OF Biegel IL
Guse the mill and lumber yard of Pank-
ratz & Co. anu possibly Jacob Fiiegler's
-four mill would prove prey to The
flames. The buildings burned until B
o'clock in the morning and firsmen were
playing on the smoldering ruins as late
as late as o'clock on Tuesday. The IN
tensity OF the heat was such that the
hose caught fire and several lengths of 1T
were burned.
The loss is estimated at 10000. There
is an insurance of $4,000 in the following
companies: American of New York
$1,000; California $1,000; Commercial
Union $1,000; Continental $500; Hart
ford $4,000; Havre-Bremen $1,000; Home
of n. Y. $500; ms. Co. of n. 4. $1,000;
Liverpool, London & Globe $1,000; n. Y.
Mds. Agency $500; Niagara :. $1,000;
Phoenix of Hartford $1,000; Queen of
America 50 500; Springfield Fire & Marine
$1,000; Sun. Fire Office $4,000; State of
Des Moines 81, 500; Phoenix of Brooklyn
$500, Firemen of Chicago 81 900, North
ern Fire ms Co. $1,000, German Ameri-
can $4,000, Granite State 81 1000; Prrden-
tial of Boston $1,000; Aurora Fire 1000;
Oriental $1,000; Manchester $4,000; West
ern of Taronto 81 900; State Investment
Il les. Co $1,000.
those are thrown out of employment. 1t
had large number of orders, one from
New York for 400 opera chars and one
from Boston for LOO. besides having the
contract to seat the hall in Minneapolis
in which the republican national conven-
ton is to be held and to furnish the
schools OF Chicago with seats. 1t had just
got on secure footing and had reputa-
ton throughout the United States for the
excellence of it's work. Its loss is the
most serious blow the city could receive.
Fortunately large amount Of manu-
featured goods were stored In Platt's
store on the corner Of York and Ninth,
but these are wholly insufficient to fill
present orders.
Throughout Tuesday the fire was the
only topic of conversation. People did
not feel disposed to do any business SO
great was the feeling of depression be-
cause of the loss sustained. The feeling
was genera! that the plant should be re-
built as otherwise the loss to the city
would be disastrous. The disaster came
when Manitovoc was just about to em-
erge from its lethargy and every sign was
hopeful.
The engine and boiler of the concern is
in fairly good condition. A large amount
OF castings is likewise available for I'M
mediate use though having passed
through the trial by fire would make
it appear otherwise. The site is in good
shape the piling being intact thus max
lug rebuilding matter of com paratively
little difficulty. Contracts on which
there are considerable profit could be fill
ed by getting the foundry 10 work IN
few DAYS. The employees OF the factory
a.e awaiting the action of the people be-