Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-05-12

stroyed by fire, this afternoon. Best
reports, coming as they do from au-
thorities who by experience have be-
come familiar with the burning OF
houses filled with ice. state that much
Of the ice VIII remain in marketable
condition, while others are OF the
opinion that the loss will be totai l.
Considering that the loss is total ana
that certainly seems to be quite gen
eral opinion, the figures will scarcely
fall short of $125,00o.
Morrill, & McCausland had $1,000 III
surance, and as far as can be ascef-
tanned, this is all.
shortly after the passing Of train No.
II. the east bound Bar Harb0r express
due in Hallowell at 2.2S o'clock, fre was
discovered on the south end OF one ol
the northern houses of the Cousolld@teu
Companv. Inc crew of men employed
there at the time, numbering ~ OF ~,
were summoned, but the ire Galieu
headway faster than can well he I'M
agined. and in few moments the Vas1
plant of the Consolidated Co. was III
| flames.
A brisk southerly wind was blowing
and the flames rapidly spread. In a
half hours time the entire group OF zee
houses were afire and that peIore thc
situation was fairly realized.
Telenbone messages were sent TO this
city and Gardiner, and in response,
steamer of this city, ana Coppossee
| Of Gardiner were sent. both cum
panies made quick time considering the
distance and the number OF nils aiohs
| the route, but the services OF poth Weie
of necessity dispensed with, there nc
ing no suitable locations Tor the en-
gines to take water from the river Tue
only source available. Again, the ois-
lance from the bank to the water WAS
tno great to allow the use of sucuol
hose Both steamers were diSfnlsSed"
The double partitions Of the houses
being filed with sawdust, the nufnef-
ous walls of the immense plant Wer"
rendered infammable to the utmost
moaning Of The word, and famed by
the stiff breeze. which blew directly
over the house, nothing could stay the
fierce flames from effecting a total ioss.
small building on the west side Oh
the track used as an Office ana pay ,! maj
ter's quarters, cahsht ule ~ ,,aIne was
was burned Everything OF value W" ~
removed from the building. including the
safe desk and valuable papers. -, 49,
Nv the time the flames had reacheu ei III
northern houses, the efforts OF the Woih
men were directed to the blacksmith
shon which is also situated on the "est
side of the tracks. The building was o.,
fire several times but the lmprovlseu
hucket brigade finally came Oil Nlet"-
riouS. . ,.h diractions
wera DELAYED some time by the nIe.
Train rs. Conductor Jewett was tie III 81
~ move. and No. 1o2. the Portland re-, eA
n,.ess followed, some minutes later. ne
e.. :. bound trains We're delayed CONSIDER
sblv longer. on account of the close pro proc,
imifv of the track to the burning pulid-
ings. ,ora attracted
70 The scene from Augusta. Halloween anu
Gardiner. Loudon hill turned out en-
masse and it was with sad hearts . .ia
thew returned to their homes. me ice
bonses'' have for years furhisntu a
source of employment for many resiuei ZEN.
Of tho hin. both during summer ana VIII
ter and they may well regard the loss III
n GOOD measure, personal.
n cannot he ascertained at TINS WIitlhs
nc to whether the owners Intend reouiio-
ing or not.