The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1894-04-21
A MASS OF RUINS,
The Beautiful New Residence Of DR.

The Beautiful New Residence Of DR..
Mitchell Destroyed by Fire.
The most destructive fire known in the
history Of Deer Lodge occurred on We'd
nesday morning last, commencing be-
tween and 5 o'clock, and lasting until
the beautiful and costly structure soon to
be occupied by DR.. A. H. Mitchell and
family as a home was mass of black
ened and smouldering ruins. The fire
was first discovered by Lou Turner, one
Of the guards at the prison, who imme-
diately gave the alarm. The firemen
responded promptly to the call, but be-
fore their arrival on the gro7nd the
flames were issuing from the northwest
corner Of the building, and soon broke
out in other portions, until the whole
structure was enveloped in smoke and
flame. 1t was an awful picture as the
flames leaped up the sides OF the tall
chimneys and cupolas and seemed to
mock the efforts of the brave men below
to subdue them, and cast deep gloom
over the entire throng of witnesses.
The tiremen, assisted by many citizens,
did all in their power to stay the progress
of the devouring flames, but the beautl-
full structure was doomed. AS the flames
got hotter and hotter it was apparent
that Mr. Kennons house on the north
and Wm. Coleman's residence on the
south were in danger Of sharing the same
fate and for some time two streams OF
water were poured upon Mr.. Kennon's
house. So far the elements were favor
ing the work. A fall of wet snow had
set in, accompanied by a slight breeze
| from the north which was favorable to
MIR. Kcnnon, but which endangered Mr.
Coleman. About this time the north
gable of the burning building fell with
crash almost against Mr.. keunon's house,
but was speedily extinguished, and soon
the wind veered into the west, and all
breathed freer. The flames had spent
their fury, the crisis was passed, and the
danger to adjacent buildings was over.
DR.. Mitchell began the erection of the
burned building abouttwo years ago, but
work was suspended on it during last
winter A few weeks ago work was again
resumed and the structure was nearing
completion, and the Doctor and his fam
ily lived in the fond hope of being able
to occupy it in a few weeks longer. He
had already expended some $4,000 or
$50 900 in its construction. and large
amount Of finishing material was stored
in the building, all Of which perlshed Ill
the flames, while other valuable goods
were in transit. When fully completed
it was estimated the cost would be in the
neigh hborhood of $4,000, not including
the cost of furnishing. All Of the wood
work was destroyed. Only the cut-stone
foundation, the brick walls of the first
story, a small portion Of the charred roof
with the main chimney towering above
all like a grim and silent sentinel, renail
as witnesses to the awful work of de
structon. And SO perished III a few
short hours q structure which, for beauty
and design, was not surpassed IN tht
, State. Not only is the loss Il serious on'
to DR.. Mitchell, but the entire communit,
! feel as though our little city has me
with great misfortune.
How the fire originated will probabl,
always remain u mystery. 1t may hav
been caused by spontaneous combustion
5 or it may have been the work OF liend
? The latter seems the most reasonable
: George S. Miller, insurance agent, in
Y forms us the structure was insured t
( the amount of $4,000, as follows
a American Central Of St. Louis, $4,000
Hartford Of Hartford, Connecticut, $1,000
= Palatine of Manchester, England, $4,000
National Of Hartford, Connecticu
go OD0