Connecticut western news., 1896-01-23
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with all it's contents. The Southworth house owned and occupied by James k. Parker and his family, which stood on Church street in close proximity 10 the block was also burned The fire was so hot that it was impossible to save the strong brick building owned by John A Brewer and this block with all it's contents of valuable hardware; wagons and harnesses was burned ont SO that nothing but the side walls re- main. These buildings were on Main street directly opposite the Hotel Miller and so intense was the heat that nearly all the glass in the front of that build ing was broken. The house of Dr Lane on the corner of Main and Church streets was so badly blistered that it will have to be newly painted, and at one time it was thought the house would take fire in spite of the efforts of the 6remen. The house occupied by Mrs Dewey on Church street, which was quite near to the South worth house was in great danger and it required constant drenchings of water to keep the flames from laying hold of it Most of the furn iture in the Southworth house was sav- ed, but now that the unpleasant experi-
  find that they have lost many small ar- ticles which were prized for their asso- citations of many years. The Parker block which was valued at $20 900 was occupied by E B Culver who carried the best line of furniture to be found in any store of eqnal size in Western Mas sachusetts Fred Fuller also occupied the south portion of the building with a large assortment of crockery and glass ware. Helen Nettleton and company kept 8 we'll stocked millinery shop near the center of the structure, while A. s, Fassett conducted dry goods store in north division of the block. The office of Col E. J. Bliss, editor and proprie- tor of the Gazette and other papers, was very pleasantly situated hear the center of the block on the second floor. The many friends of this veteran soldier and able editor, regret very much that number of his valuable books and pic tnres. together with the files of the three papers were destroyed. But loss which should be especially mentioned was that of 8 cane which was presented to Col. Bliss by Oliver Wen dall Holmes. When the colonel went down stairs to see where the fire was raging he forgot to take this veluaple memento with him and ou making an effort to return, the smoke was sc dense that the editor and his assistant Robert Van Deusen, had to retreat and nothing could be saved. We are pleased to state that since the fire, some generous patron has presented Col. Bliss with full file of the Gazette and Sentinel Amos Baldwin. the leader of the village band. who occupied the front part of Culvers lower room lost all his stock of musical instruments and music books, with a good assortment of sheet music. Nearly $200 worth of property belonging to the band was also lost. The fire which spent it's force about midnight was the hottest ever expert enced in the village since the great Are of 1854 The fire proof safes proved true and the various mero' ants found their acconnt books in good condition, with the exception of Col. Bliss who ha no insurance. All the sufferers by th1s disaster were protected by reason. able amount of insurance A conserva tive estimate gives the following losses: :: Jnmes K. Parker $25, 500. insurance SIG, GOO; John A. Brewer $60 GOO, in-
 
 insured for $l2,OOO; A s Fassett the same loss and insurance as Culver; A NJ Baldwin S5. GOO. inaured for $4, GOO; Net,leton and Adams $500. partially in- snred; F. J. Fuller S8. .00O, insured for S6, 500. A number of parties had household furniture and other valuables stored in the buildings and were not insured.
 The Congregational church and socie- ty have given Rev Leon Bliss a unapi- nous call to the pastorate of the church in this village and he will probably &C., cept this week. MT Bliss, ho has been residing for several months at Pittsheld. has been supplying the pulpit of this church for g number of Sundays.
 A farmers institute of the Housatonic Agricultural society will be held at the Town Hall, Jan "A at 10 a. m. Dr F Fl. Osgood, of Boston, who is chairman If the state cattle comm ission, will de- liver an address on Tuberculosis in cattle"
 Rev J. s. Ellis. of Sheffield. supplied tue pulpit at the Episcopal church Sun day, Rector Hartley being absent ou a vacation.
 The Current News Club held an en- jovable meeting at the house of W Curtis Friday evening. An instructive paper on house building was read. by Charles H. Evans.
 The students of Sedgwick Institute enjoyed Saturday in fishing and other sports on Lake Buel.
 Robert Girling, a highly respected citizen and for many years one of the best known business men in this town lied suddenly at his home on Main street Monday evening He was son of Robert G Girling, of England, who came to this town where Robert was born in May 1924. His mother died when he was an infant and he was brought m by Mrs Sally Whiting, the wife of Major William Whiting. Mir Girling attended the public chools of this village and in 1e46 established a clothing store in town. He remained here few years and then went to New | York where he was successful in busi- | ness and became the owner of much real estate. He eventually returned to this village where he again engaged in the clothing trade with the late Elisha Doolittle as u partner. In recent years | Mir Duolittle retired and Girling contin- ' ed the business at the old store on Railroad street. Ill health compelled him to retire and on January lst be wss succeeded by his clerk, Thomas J Keaiiu. The deceased is survived by 8 wife and sister. Miss Frances GirlIng, also by two sons. Robert and Winthrop.
 The funeral will be attended tomorrow, Friday.