The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1901-01-30
DESTROYED ART GOODS.
Costly Porcelains and Chinaware
Lost by Midnight Fire in
Chicago.

Chicago, ILL.,, Jan. 26.-Fire which
started just after midnight in the build
ing at the northeast corner of State and
Lake streets, occupied by Pitkin &
Brooks, wholesale and retail dealers in
tine porcelain and general crockery goods,
Quilted the structure and DESTROYED It's
contents. At 2:30 o'clock the west wall
TeA into State street. leaving the build
ing ruin, but neighboring property, at
times IN great danger, was saved.
Fire Marshals Swenie. Musham and
Campion estimated the loss on stock at
100000 and on building at $4,000. The
building was owned by E. B. Tuttle ex-
cept 90 Lake street, which was the prop
erty of Mary Corwith Baker The build
ing extended in State street from Lake
street to the alley and occupied 56-62 in
Lake street.
Declines to Give Figures.
Early this morning J. w. Brooks, men,
ner OF the firm, was seen. He said 1.-The
stock is total loss. l do not care to
s state its value 1t is partly insured. The
building is fully insured"
Two days ago a shipment of crockery
was received at the store and placed in
the basement. This was valued at $50
900. Besides this the building contained
china and crockery valued at hundreds.
Of thousands of dollars. The $4,000
III.
The fire started probably in the rear of
the basement. although one man declared
1t began in the rear Of the second floor
The cause probably was crossed electric
wires. The inflammable substances used
in packing fine porcelain made ready food
for the flames.
Escape of the Firemen.
While raising a ladder on the Lake
street side of the building dozen truck
fy~or 1o1- haI
from death from falling glass and tim
Der.
John Anderson, 4 Waterman for Ti.t-
tie 4 Bailey, whose building joined the
burning structure. was in the basement
of his building when the fire was dis
covered. He was partly overcome by
smoke before he left the building and
was attended by physician in drug
store.
During the latter part Of the fire mem
bers of engine company No. 1 were fight
ing fire on q ladder near the roof Of
the building on the State street side
They were intent upon their work, when
the ladder suddenly veered and the mem
bers Of the company were thrown from
their position. Michael J. Driscoll, one
OF the firemen. was thrown from the lad
der to the pavement and sustained Sc
we're injuries. He was taken to the Sa-
marian hospital. He will recover Sew
eraI other hremen were slightly cut, but
none was severely hurt.
Trolley Wire Falls.
While hundreds Of belated pedestrians
and theater patrons were crowded IN
State street watching the blaze one of the
ladders of truck became entangled with
the trolley wire of the North State street
electric car line. With loud report the
WIRE snapped and swung about in the
midst of the crowd. splitting sparks in
every direction Several persons had
close. calls from coming in contact with
the live wire. After describing a Zig-zag
course in the air for several minutes the
wire hung motionless.
Discovered by Watchman.
The fire was discovered shortly after
midnight by Michael Printy private
watchman for Pitkin & Brooks He was
descending the rear staircase making his
rounds when he saw smoke pouring out
of the basement. A few minutes later,
when the engines were SWarming to the
scene. smoke enveloped the building.
though no flames were to be seen
Marshal Koran within five minutes
sent two additional calls for engines and
Chief Swenie. who arrived soon after
ward. called further reinforcements till
twenty-five engines and as many compa-
MES OF men were fighting the fire. At
the foot. of the State street bridge the
two hreboats. Illinois and Fire Queen,
WE IdllSeu sue ny SlUe, pumping their
full force into four lines Of hose leading
from the river
Freight Depot Burned.
Colorado Springs. Col. Jan. 2C.-The
Denver & Rio Grande Railroad compa-
ny's new freight depot was destroyed by
fire today. Night Waterman Weis lost
his life in fighting the fire The depot
contained large quantities of freight, the
-alue of which is unknown 1t is be-
iieved the total damage will amount to
more than 100000
Fire in ST. Louis.
st: Louis, Mo, Jan. 26.-The five-story
building of the Udell-Sampson Wooden
ware company at 503-505 North Main
ssSc~p was burned this afternoon The
loss .approximates $4,000, partially in
sured. Louis J. Oerder. a fireman, was
seriously injured by falling from a lad
der
SITUATION EXAGGERATED.