Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-05-09

as simultaneously in half dozen
places eolne Oh them six blocks from
the main fire, roofs were seen to burst
out In ilames. The wind rising higher
and higher moved down whole rows of
these buildings and attracted at first
crowd OF curious Sigh tseers, who
seemed to be fascinated by the sight
until they learned that their resi-
denoes, too, were in danger of de.
struotion.
II took Just foui hours for the resist
less flames to consume every building
in their wake for space six to eight
blocks wide, from Davis street. near
where Ii started, to the Hogans' Greek
viaduct, distance of over 112 miles.
Then, not satisfied with eating out the
heart OF the residential portion of the
city, the fire doubled on itself and
came roaring up the principal thorough
fare of trade destroying every thing
In what WAS the original incorporation
of jacksonville.
The government building, which
caugh. fire ut one time but was saved.
is the only pret.ntions building left
standing and it may go before morning.
From tire humble homes Of the poor to
the elegant residences of the we'll to do
was but a short journey for the flames.
Afttr passing Bridge street the first
house which succuInbed to the fire was
the elegant brick mansion OF ex Coun-
Gilman StaDsell. Then it seemed that
wherever there happened to be shingle
roof on building erected before the
fire-law limits we're extended the flying
embers found lodgment Blocks away
from the main fire other fires would
break out.
Right into the heart of the city the
flames swept. The Windsor Hotel and
the st. James, both Of which are among
tina finest winter hotels in the South,
were consumed In an incredibly short
time. The Opera House followed, and
then row upon row uf elegant residences
were offered up to the Unsuitable blaze
As the yiaduct leading over the
marshes Of Hogan's Creek to East
Jacksonyille was reached it seemed
plain that the limit of progress of the
flames westward had been found. The
hope Of the people grew strong that the
worst was over. But as far as the
damage from the fire was concerned the
worst was yet to come. just as tn q
material iur the confiaeration WAS ap.
parently consumed shift in the wild
sent the flames southwark toward the
river. Then 1T was beginning to dawn
on the minds OF the unfoi tunates who
had fed to the riverside that they were
in danger of being cut off and suiro
Gated. A rush was made to the South
Jacksonville ferry and hundreds sought
refuge on the other shore.
Then came the most thrilling scent
of the entire day. The fire caught the
freight warehouses of the Atlantic
Valdosta & Western railroad and begar
a backward march. Slowly but surely
it ate its way against the wind, takinl
both eides of Bay street until it reached
Jones' boat yard. The Wholesale grocery
stores OF the +. a. Ii. Bowling Go. anc
the Muller & Go. and dozens Of smaller
concerns were wiped out.
While the flames failed to cross tn,
open space known as Jones' boat yard
a new danger threatened They sweep
down in the rear of the United State!
Hotel, and that, with the Law Elk
change, was doomed. Meantime th,
County Court House caught fire aut
another splendid edifcs was soon ;
wreck.
From the United States Eotel thu
flames again jumped across the stree
and the line of march was taien vi
again, only to be checked when the las
building between Mccoy and Hogan I
Greek has been destroyed.