Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-01-25

The most disastrous fire that has &C.
urred in this city for some time broke
nut in the dry goods store of Lichtenstein
Hart, No. 1928 Market street, shortly
,fter 7.30 last night week, and before
he firemen succeeded in getting the
lanes under control, the store was COM
'letely Quilted. The dry goods, carpets
md fancy goods are a total loss, and
he entire contents of the building are
more or less damaged.
The fire evidently originated from a
Effective flue in the rear portion of the
tore, and spread so rapidly that the
DOM was mass of flame and smoke
~ the time the firemen got their ap.
,aratus into position and began playing
IN the fire. An alarm was turned in
rom box 81, Third and King streets,
md the department quickly responded.
Previous to the turning in of this alarm,
however, the Washington and Fame
companies had been notified by messen-
yer and were prompt to reach the scene.
The tiremen laid a line of hose from
he plug at Third and Market streets,
second and Market and at Third and
King streets. The front door was broken
open and streams from the Washington
md Fame Hose companies were turned
Upon the raging flames, which had
Iained such Roadway that the building
vas in danger OF total destruction. The
Reliance and the Phoenix fire companies
Jun line Of hose up the alley along
tide of the James Bradford Building.
Streams were playing on the fire at both
inds of the building, and in this manner
he flames were subdued and gotten
ipder control, although adjoining
buildings were threatened at one time.
There is shaft in the middle Of the
tore which carried the flames to the
op-story and famed by draughts of
wind which swept in at the front and
ear Of the building, the fire at one time
placed the entire building in danger of
destruction.
Policemen were stationed at the front
If the building to keep back the crowd
ind had all they could do to prevent
persons from entering. The street was
ioped off in front of the building and
itreet car traffic blocked. 1t was after
,'clock before the flames were extin-
pushed.
The store presented an unsightly ap-
,earance next morning. The floor was
covered with debris OF all kinds, which
ay submerged in pools of water, and
he various counters containing valuable
new goods We're charred and blackened
Until it was Difficult. to discover any
race of the articles exposed TO sale. The
walls and ceiling were also charred and
olackened.
The firm had just received a new
stock of goods few days ago, and was
preparing to open out again with in
creased facilities. Unfortunately for the
proprietors, they allowed about $4,000
worth of insurance to expire last fall ut
tile close of the summer season, and
fully expected to have the policies re.
newed in few days. II was not I'M
usual for the firm to carry q stock Of
from $4,000 to $35, 900 worth of goods,
and il is believed that the supply of
goods ON the shelves at the tisle and ex-
posed to sale, reached the former sum.
The goods and fixtures were insured
in the following companies for the
amounts specified: Scottish Union and
Nation Company of Edinburgh, $4,000
on stock and 81 500 on furniture; Lion
Fire Insurance Company Of Liverpool,
$1,000; Citizens Insurance Company of
New York, $4,000; Liverpool, London
and Globe, $500; Insurance Company
Of North America, So 500; Pennsylvania
Fire Insurance Company, $4,000; Fire
Association of Philadelphia, $4,000;
Spring Garden Insurance Company,
Philadelphia, 81 500; New Castle Mutual
Insurance Company, $4,000; total,
$4,000.
General Garrett J. Hart and Mr..
Lichtenstein, members of the firm, were
seen at the store on Thursday and stated
that they would make every effort to
secure temporary quarters to continue
the store business, although both were
hisheartened over the great loss sus-
Iained by tho fire.
The shoe store of ]. A. Fuld was
damaged to the extent of $1,000 by
water. e