Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1892-05-19
A DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT ELLIS
WORTH FALLS.
the VICTIMS ARE WHlTCoMB.
HAYNES L CO.

IL WAS long ana arduOus fight which
the people of Ellsworth Falls made against
the fire 1end last Saturday night. Against
a more stubborn or relentless foe thew
were never called upon to contend-a foe
which for hours threatened to destroy
their fair village. On the west side Of
Union river, very short distance below
the railroad bridge was situated one Of the
two stave and heading mills, owned by
Whitcomb, Haynes Co. 1t was this mill
which was destroyed. Business was rush.
ing there at the time and 1t was In opera
ton day and night Between Is and 30
men were employed In it and the daily out
put was $4,000 slaves and 1900 pairs Of
headings. Saturday afternoon At O'Clock
1t was shut down. as is the custom, to
start up again Sunday night, and the work
men went to their supper. Shortly after
this the flames broke out. The only ex-
plantation offered as to the origin Of the
Are is. that 1t started from q hot box, I'M
der the building. although they were ex-
amined without the discovery OF anything
wrong after work for the day had ceased.
The alarm WAS at once given and the
Ticonic hand engine with the hose com
pany was quickly on the scene Of the blaze
and the men began a desperate battle with
the furious element which seemed to be
master Of the situation. 1t had gained .
large Roadway and The immense flames
shot high In the air. The wind was from
the southwest and the burning cinders fell
on the pile of dry slaves and headings and
they were soon a mass of fire. Help from
the city was summoned. The hand engine
Dirigo went and soon began pouring wa
ter on the confagration.
The boarding house and several other
neighboring buildings were set on fire by
the flying sparks in different places many
times, but they were saved. The cinders
even flew into the woods across the road,
short distance from the burning mill and
hres started there. but they were quickly
subdued. They worked hard. but II wa.
useless to try to save the mill and 1t fell
In short time. The mill yard WAS sever.
al feet deep with Stockings which burned
hercely and the dam and buildings close by
We're threatened, so shortly before seven
o'clock Bangor was telegraphed to for
steamer. Victory, No. 2 and Union Hose
Company. No. were sent by a special
train and arrived at Ellsworth Falls about
9 80. some delay having been caused by
unavoidable circumstances.
The fire got into the bnlkhead OF the
dam. All saw that this must be subdued
with the least possible delay, or the result
would prove disastrous In the extreme
and seriously affect all the mill owners Of
Ellsworth. So for time the best energy
OF all the tirelcss workers was turned to
this new danger. Their efforts e1tIu-
gushed the FIRE, and then the tiremen went
to the store Of the firm where they received
hearty lunch from the concern. After
this the steamer and hose cart were load
ed on the train and the gsllan, boys re-
turned to Bangor, arriving there about
80 A NJ. Sunday morning.
The loss on the mill is e. 900 and on the
lumber $500. The mill Was insured for
g. 500. There WAS no insurance on the
lumber. The mill Will probably be rebuilt.
A good portion of the men thrown out of
work by the fire will doubtless be given
employment by the concern In It's other es-
adjustments. The fire came at irving
time, as the business at the mill had jus,
fairly begun and the firm will lose largely
by the cessation OF manufacturing com
PEELED by 1t. although machines will be pat
In the other buildings and SO make that
trouble somewhat lighter.
Whitcomb. Haynes & Co. speak in the
highest terms OF praise Of the excellent
work done by the firemen. Mortal men,
they say could not have done better; and
they shall always feel under great obligs-
tions TO them, especially to the Bangor
fremen who were SO prompt at their call
The finn authorizes this expression of
thanks and gratitude.
The popular and highly respected firm
of Whitcomb, Haynes 4 Co, will have the
sympathy and kindly Offices of all who
know them 10 their loss.