Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-10-17
HOULTON SC0RCHED.
A $4,000 Blaze in the Busi-
ness Section of the Town.
Handsome French Block Gone--Secret
Orders Were Heavy Losers.
An llectric Light Wire Though. 10 Have
Caused IN. Fire.

HorLros, Oct. i6.-( SpecialJ Las,
night at i2 O'Clock the alarm of fire brought
the usual commotioa. The frenen readily
responded and were obliged TO act quickly
and heroieally to accomplished any degree
OF progress over the rapid stride Of the
flames s-*>
The fire was discovered in the French
block, formerly known as the Staples prop
erty. From present know ledge il is though,
the cause was due 10 defective electric
| light wire or chimney The entire block
was consumed, with large portion of the
| various stores. H. s-:3~'.s -=...." s#*+ ].
| When the fire company arrived with the
| apparatus there was no visible blaze, but
smoke was issuing from the windows. To
the horror of the onlookers and imminent
| danger of the fremen near the building the
roof was thrown several feet into the air
and the flames ieaped forth in all their ter
ror. This peculiar incident was due to the
co IMPRESSED hot air which must escape in
some manner. Immediately after the roof
was opened the flames waved high into the
a'r and were swayed and heightened by tae
wind, which was blowing quite heavily
from the west - IT. ~.- III ~
From the time the fire broke through the
roof it WAS forcioly apparent that the block
was destined to destruction. People turned
out from far and near to witness the awful
sight. All who could rendered assistance
IN helping TO convey goods from the various
stores in the block to safe places.
The stores in the brick block were safe
from catching, but every occupant was
earnestly endeavoring to save the fine plate
glass windows, which were very hot.
These windows were covered with blankets
and water showered upon them with private
hose. The larger quantity of the goods
taken from the store in the burning
block was stored in the various apartments
of the brick block. @
The fine dry goods store of J. A. Browne
& CO., was well filed with choice goods,
nearly of which was more or less damaged
either by water or fire, before taken out.
Considerable of the heavy goods were
saved. The drug store of o. F. French
vas partly cleared of its contents before
the fire reached this part, but despite the
rapid and brave work of those carrying
goods out, large quantity were destroyed,
fairly well cleared of contents, some of
which suffered injury by water. The TN
store of s. A. Gray Jared worst of all, be-
ing directly under where the flames first
broke out. The large number of various
kinds now lie in heap of ashes.
The hall of the |. O. O. +. was the first
place where the flames burst forth. The
hall has recently been finely fitted up, caus-
ing an expenditure of some 500. The
total loss 10 this society is $500 and is in
sured for $780, The knights of Pythils
hall was also in the block and was burned,
with equipments amounting to some 5 500
ant insured for $500.
The regalils of the |. Q. o. F canton
were valued at $1,000 and are nov in ashes.
The total loss will reach $50 900 with an
insurance of about 50 600 The block
was three story with Hat roof. The fire !
was very successful in aliaying
the flames from catching the surrounding
builling.
The sky was filled with hjsting Cinders.
Lawyers and doctors offices re well fur
nished on the second floor, but were not
fully cleared OF equipments. @..~
Considerable ammunition wds in tie
bull ling, and the explosion OF a large |
quantity Of cartridges and powder added |
to the terror of the scene. Thieves were
plenty and many were soon undtr custody \
Today work Of cleaning up j btirg
steadily accomplished. j. A. Browne, Of
j A. Browne & Co, is now ii Boston.
The store of j. c. IIsrrigsn was cousid- |
eratly burned.
At one time it seemed certain that the
l. xchange hotel would be consumed. The
fire department was praised for their herclc !
efforts to overcome the fire. "
This block occupied the best business
corner of any in town.
Perhaps the lot viii be adorned with
fine brick block.