The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-06-17

Spring Hotel for the summer was cele
orated by grand ball, which was
gotten up principally by students and
young men OF the town and at which
many of the fairest ladies were present.
The hotel was as clean and bright as
new pin, and the lovely grounds were in
the choicest trim. 1t was typical
summer night in June, and when couples
grew tired of treading the giddy maze
to the soft sweet music of the orchestra,
a stroll along the cool, verdure.clad
walks, and a short rest under the
foliage OF the large forest trees would
enable them to return with fresh yiyor
to the merry fray.
But all things must end, and towards
a. M. carriages were carrying away the
TAR cancers and their gallant escorts,
whilst at 2:l5 q. IN. the music was bid
ding farewell with Home. Sweet
Home, and in few minutes more the
ballroom was deserted. But before all
could get away the agonizing cry of
lire resounded through the halls, fol-
lowed by shrieks and cries innumerable.
and still the echoing words Fire. fire!'
rang outcloar and loud, till what a few
minutes before had been u scene of
mlrth and pleasure was now one of deep
distress and CONSERVATION. Now ali
was hurry and rush, ladies were hastily
put into carriages, whilst brave eager
men-many still in their evening suits,
with white tie and snowy shlrt-front-
rushed bravely upstairs, for it was soon
ascertained that the fire had been sud-
denly seen to burst through the roof in
the center of the main building, near
the observatory.
They worked bravely, quietly and
without the usual excitement BY this
time the fire bell up town was pealing
vigorously, the reels had started and
men were coming out OF every house,
anxious to lend u helping hand to save
Lake Spring"
AS soon as the reels ar lived the hose
was attached to the nearest hre-plug,
| and at B a. N. a fair sized stream Of
water was playing on the large cottage
on the east side, which was now begin
ming to smoke from the intense heat of
the burning hotel During all this time
the crowd kept increasing and every
man was doing his best to save some
thing, and there was comparatively
little eXcitement-all realizing that the
hotel must go, but could the cottages be
saved was the question.
became necessary members Of the fire
company clambered with the hose to
the steep iron roof of the cottage, where
II was so hot that wet blankets AID
doors were held up to shield them from
the scorching blaze, while they kept
that same steady stream of water pour
ing down the sides OF the cottage; &C.
casionally, to cool their heated bodies,
turning the hose for u second or two
upon themselves.
BY o'clock all the roof and upper
floors of the hotel had been consumed,
and few minutes later the fact was
assured that the east cottage was safe;
then, as the ballroom was on fire, "a
bucket brigade was started from the
upper lake TO the cottages north Of the
hotel, where much furniture was stored;
DIR. Baird and Lawyer Simpson, up to
their waists in the lake, filled the
buckets and boys passed them along so
lively to John :. Martin on the roof and
with such vigor that he had to call for
help.
AT 4:35 the ball room fell with
crash. and rs the firemen had now got
steady stream Of water playing on the
ruins, it was evident that further dam
age had been averted, and it being
daylight, the crowd was rapidly dis
persing, weary and soiled, but con-
scious OF having done good work.
The hotel at Lake Spring was built
ny Ine reconstruct ton OF an Old resi-
dcnce and large additions TO 1t. made
about 1879 and in the following
year it was opened rs q summer resort.
whilst from time 10 time 4 number CT
comfortable ,ttages have been built
adjoining the hotel.
These still remain, and as MIR. Chap
man has recently furnished his mag
niticent twenty thousand dollar brick
residence, which is near By, the fire will
In no way interfere with the reception
OF summer visitors. who will enjoy all
the comforts of country home, with
the additional charms Of the beautiful
grounds and cool lakes, just as they
have been doing for years past. Coming
at the opening Of the summer season,
the burning of the hotel is great blow
to Mr.. Chapman. The total loss is esti-
mated by him at nearly twenty thou
sand dollars, part OF which is covered by
insurance.
AS to the cause, 1t remains mystery,
there having been no fire in tho main
building that day, nor had there been
lamp in the attic; the only superstition
is that somebody must have dropped
portion OF q lighted cigarette or cigar in
the observatory, or IL that theory won't
stand, then 1t will have to be put down
to the old favorite, the matches and
rats.
The burning OF Lake Spring will not
effect engagements and contracts for
the season.
The Public Rehearsal.
An audiepca NJ Over Q 50O DeonIa at