Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1897-08-05
Echoes from tho Great Fire.


Echoes from tho Great Fire.
The city fathers contemplate passing
an ordinance prohibiting the building
of any frame houses within the limits
of the burnt district.
The fire-proof vaults Of the two banks
have been opened, and the money, pa
pers, books, &c. contained in them
found to be in a perfect state of preser-
vation-not injured in the least.
The directors Of the Bank of Green
brier declare their intention to rebuild
at once on the same ground substan-
tial, modern, fire-proof building. We
hear that the Bank of Lewsburg will
also rebuild on location not yet Sc
lected.
>. Is. Mason says he will rebuild his
store at once, and Messrs. Bell, Thomas
and Ford have expressed similar inten-
tionS.
These things indicate that there is
life--and a good deal of it-yet left in
the dear old burg.
horse in fire. In wooden shirt and
with sleeves rolled to the elbows, he
was the observed Of all observers, and
many were the words spoken in his
praise. Heproved by his conduct Tues
day morning that the pulpit is not the
only place from which he can success
fully fight fire. Mr.. Telford and Mr..
Martin were also in line doing very eff
fective work-the former handling the
buckets like an expert whilst the
latter manipulated pump.handle with
tremendous energy.
Aroused from her peaceful slumbers
by the awful cry" fire fire fire." a
lady Lying on Jefferson street sprang
from her bed and, forgetful of all else,
rushed across the street bare footed and
In robe de mutt to give the alarm at
nelghhoring house.
The most of Mrs. Sydenstricker's fur
niture was hastily taken ont of the
house and moved to a place of safety.
The house itself was greatly soiled and
somewhat damaged by the stubborn
stand there made by the fire-fighters to
keep the flames from crossing the allev.
People came into town Tuesday after
noon from far and near to view the de-
VISITATION the flames had wrought.
The Farmers Home Fire Insurance
Company lost its flre-proof safe, but its
books were taken out by the Secretary,
and are unframed.
Fearful that the fire would cross the
alley at the Skipper Hotel and finally
reach them in the Buster building on
the corner, the Hansbarger Bros. hurri-
eddy moved out their entire stock of
hardware. They had their trouble for
nothing. The furniture of G.. b. Bus.
ter wss also moved from the residence
portion.
Checks, drafts and accounts belong.
ing to the Banks and TO ID. j. Ford &
Son hoated up and away on the fiery
breeZes, falling like snOwfiakes through
the country northeast of town. A half
burnt check was picked up three miles
away!
AT the beginning of the fire the Ia
dies showed greater presence of mint
than the men. They worked like Tro
jams carrying furniture, goods, & c., Out
OF the buildings, and then stood guar(
oyer them in the streets until the own
ers could claim and stow away thei,
property.
? The streets were Uttered with books
buttons, laces, knives, forks, and no
tions of every description.
The Jolliest men in the crowd wer,
| heaviest ~,
TOOK IT philosophically, said it was use
less to moan oyer it, and witnessed TIN
gradual reduction to ashes of thei
thousands of dollars in property will
remarkable fOrtitude.
Unselfishness was the rule. Hans
oarger Bros. and j. f. Bell placed fit
sacks of salt at the disposal of tn
. iire-lghters, and after the fire the save,
buildings looked like a skift of snoy
q, had fallen on them.
The Bank of Lewisburg has it
: place of business temporarily i'm tn,
: law Office of Capt. A. f. Mathews, an
5 the Bank Of Greenbrier in the Sheriff
: Office in the Courthouse. Mai. J. w
: Harris has his Office on the first floor O
the Masonic building, near his house
Jas, G. Mcpherson in DR.. S. III. Aus
!. 3 office, and Beard Il Beard in tb
Y Greenbrier Hotel.
Great credit should be given to tn
J. colored people of the town for the spler
did work done by them in the effort t
stay the progress of the fire. Their ef
g forts were untlring and we'll directed
;. and to them is largely due the credit @
q preventing the spread of the fire O
Court street beyond McPherson's OF
fee, and on North Main street beyon
: Ford's.
D, Attorney Fred Wallace lost his Co
g lege lamp in the great fire and Mai. Il
(. +. Eakle his umbrella.