Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1894-09-22
THE FIRE FIEND.
Another Martinsburg Enterprise
Goes Up in Flame.
CANNING FACTORY DESTROYED.
Stockholders and Farmers Lose Heavi-
Y-ArmorY Burned.

The blowing of whistles and ring
ing of fire bells at o'clock Tuesday
G vening startled the inhabitants of our
usually peaceful little city. many of
whom had gathered at the First NJ F.
Church to hear the lecture, while
s,thers rushed into the streets to learn
the cause of the alarm. They were
not long kept in suspense as red
glare was clearly discernible on Win
chester avenue. and the cry went up.
ITS the canning factoryh
Our feet firemen were soon there
b 1t it was plain that the building,
W hich was large frame structure, was
d oomed. All they could do was protect
q, ijoining property. Much solicitude
was felt for the safety of the immense
hosiery mill just ac, oss the railroad,
but the heavy brio; walls and slate
roof were perfect protection.
The rains during the day had thor
oughly soaked the roofs ofother build
iings and it was NO difficult task to pro-
tect them. What wind there was
happily came front the East, which
was another great sactor of safety.
The fire which originated from an
explosion of gasoline in the soldering
department sp, cad with lightning like
rapidity, many of the employees being
compelled to flee for their lives.
Nearly llund red pei sons were in the
building at the line. but all escaped
uninjured except John Farm, jr., Al
Kingston, and young Souders, who
were severely but not dangerously
burned. The devouring element soon
made its way to the upper story used
as an armory by Company Z. West
Virginia National Guard, where was
stored the arms, ammunition, and ac-
couterments of the company. The
explosion OF the cartridges sounded
like the rattle of nusketry and kept
the great throng at a respectful dis
tance.
Several streams of water, after the
fire had exp ended its force, left a w seck
of charred timbers, tangled mass of
tin roofing. and blackened cans. of
which there were about 100, 900 empty
and 90. 900 filled in the building. The
filed cans represented the entire work
so far, none having been shipped.
The loss is estimated at about $I2.-
900, with $4,000 insurance. The
State will also lose considerable. The
heaviest loss will fall on the stock
holders and farmers, the latter of
whom will suffer by reason of the fail
ure of the company because of the fire
to take the fruit and corn which is now
ready for use. the most of which will
perish before operations can be re-
sumed. Employees will also suffer
considerable in loss of time. All in
all, it is serious blow to the entire
town and one which the people can i'll
afford
At meeting of the company We'd
nesday afternoon i was decided 20 re-
sumo at once A large force of men
were put to wo ], Thursday mon ing
and the building will be at once e.
constructed.
1t is expected that canning can be
commenced at the atest by Tuesday
morning. The prompt action of the
insurance companies and the canning
company is commendable and will be
highly appreciated by everybody
The insurance on the cans and stock
was placed by Herbert L. Alexander,
insurance agent, King street, who will
promptly adjust and settle the loss.