The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1897-09-22
A BIG BLAZE.
THE WELLINGTON FLOUR MILL
GOES UP IN SMOKE.
THE MOST DISASTROUS FIRE OF
SEVERAL YEARS.


has occurred here in several years.
About IL O'Clock Marshal Williams
started from the square to make his
accustomed round in the north part of
town. As he neared the grist mill
at the Big Four crossing, he per-
cieved dense volume of black smoke
issuing from the eastern cornice of the
large structure. Realizing at glance
that the building was on fire, Mr..
Williams hastened to the engine house
and sounded the fire alarm bell.
The loud and hurried changing Of the
bell speedily aroused the volunteer fire
company from their comfortable beds
and in an incredibly short spare of
time they had assembled at the engine
house, secured the machine and were
upon the scene Of the confagration.
By this time the whole interior of
the main building was seething mass
of flames and dense clouds of smoke
were pouring forth from every window.
The fire soon broke through on the
north side of the building and the efforts
of the firemen were directed to this.
The engine did excellent service and
soon the flames were extinguished in
this quarter, but only to break out
with redoubled vigor on the northeast
corner near the roof. The fire had
then gained so much headway that it
was impossible to check it in the least.
In the meantime the flames had at
tackled the small frame annex on the
west end of the mill, in which was the
office and store room. The water was
then directed upon this portion of the
mill, and it was saved.
By the time the fire was well under
headway, large crowd of men, wom-
en- and children had gathered upon the
scene and soon willing hands were
busily at work removing barrels and
sacks of flour and conveying them to
places of safety. The building con-
tanned about 800 barrels OF -four,
greater part of which was saved. 1000
bushels of wheat, entirely destroyed
2500 bushels Of oats, most OF which
were saved, and 1000 bushels of corn,
all of which was burned.
The damage from the fire is esti-
mated at $25OOO with $4,000 insurance
The origin of the fire is unknown.
1t may have resulted from hot box
in the machinery, or from spontaneous
combustion. Mr.. Shelly worked on
the books in the office until 8 O'Clock
the evening before, and when he left
everything was apparently secure.
At the time of the fire about 1900
bushels of grain belonging to other
parties was stored in the mill. This is
a total loss, but Mr.. Shelley says he
will bear this loss himself, notwith-
standing he is not legally responsible
for it.
At one time the large wagon factory
building on the opposite side of the
street was in eminent danger from
the fire. This building is of brick, but
on its roof is a large cupolo built of
wood. This caught fire, but the blaze
was promptly extihguished by some
one who had anticipated the danger
and mounted the roof beforehand,
No wind was blowing at the time,
and this was most fortunate circum-
stance. Had the wind been blowing
from the east Ur north, the means at
hand cuuld not have prevented the
flames from spreading to other build
ings near by and the fire would have
become general. It might even have
proved as disastrous in result as the
memorable confagration which de.
stroyed nearly all OF the south side of
West Main street about three years ago.
That the fire was not more disas-
trious in result was entirely due to
the prompt and heroic efforts of the
volunteer fire company and those of
the bystanders who assisted in the re-
moval of the goods that were saved.
The firemen deserve especial credit for
their conduct throughout, They did
all that could possibly have been done
with the facilities at hand.
The burning Of the Hour mill is a
serious blow to the business interests
of this place. Up to the time Mr..
Shelly came here, but a few months
ago, the mill was not considered much
of factor in the business interests Of
the town. Mr.. Shelley, who is prac-
tical miller of long experience, pur-
chased the mill and by virtue Of his
progressive ideas and sound business
| management made it what it was-one
Of the most valuable business indus
tries IN this place, and it has done
moreih'o one season to insure the future
IptoSpetity Of the town than any other
single industry in it.
/. WILL REBUILD AT ONCE.
i Mr.. Shelly is not discouraged by the
iEiil fortune which has overtaken him
'Fand says, "as soon as she cools off and
J the insurance matter is adjusted will
commence to rebuild the mill.
would like 10 erect brick and steel
structure, but will have to be governed
by the condition OF my finances. You
may say for me, il you like, that in all
my experience ! have never yet found
place where the efforts of an honest
man are more appreciated than in
Wellington. Since my advent here,
! l have received the most COURTEOUS
, treatment and kind consideration from
} everybody. / sincerely appreciate the
many expressions Of sympathy and
good will which have received, and
olfhot.rrh fha hlo,,y ;a n b..I -. 80.