The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-26
THREE HOUSES BURNED
A NIGHT OF GREAT EXCITEMENT on
CALDWELL STREET.
Fire Department Handicapped by
Lack of water-Ffre's Eject on
Mrs. william Cohn.

The fire department was confronted with
a difficult task last night when a fire broke
out in the residence OF William Cohn, 6O4
Caldwell street. The house and others near
IL situated far from any cistern or
fire plug that before water was thrown on
the flames three houses had burned to the
ground. over fifteen hundred feet of hose
was used in one line in bringing water to
the fire.
The fire was discovered in the Cohn home
by Fred Weigmeier, of COS Caldwell street,
about $50 o'clock Weigmeier was about
TO retire when he looked out the south win
dow and saw flames creeping up the sides
OF the wall in COINS kitchen. Weigmeier
ran down stairs and burst in the rear door.
The flames were shooting high from the
kitchen stove. but Weigmeier with the as
sistance Of Louis Weber, turned off the
gas in the stove The flames by this time
had made progress and eaten their way to
the roof and front part Of the house. weig-
meier from the house and yelled ''Firel'
while Weber ran about six blocks TO the
corner of Michigan and Agnes streets and
turned in an alarm. 1t was the nearest fire
alarm box. and when the apparatus arrived
the Cohn house was enveloped in flames.
spread to the house of Eli Lutz. one door
south. While that was burning the home
of Fred Weigmeier. next door north. also
caught and soon beyond saving. As
soon as water was brought to the place
efforts made to save the homes of
Clifton Reese, who lives two doors away
from the Cohn house and Remus Okey's
house, across the alley
Lutz was asleep when he heard Weig-
Inc So IL
and. with the aid of Weigmeier and Louis
Webber, saved the household furnishings
BY this time the residents further up the
street knew Of the fire and ran to the
scene, assisting I'm bringing Mrs. Weigmeier
and her baby into the street They also
saved greater part Of the furniture. Mr..
and Mrs. Reeece. a few doors north had
ample time 10 get their furniture out.
Their house was but slightly damaged.
HAD TOO MUCH GAS.
The fire started in the Cohn home from
an oversupply of gas. Mrs Cohn was
out Of the city yesterday. When her hus-
band left the house last night to meet his
wife at the depot the gas was burning in
the kitchen stove. He had been away but
an hour when pressure of gas began to
increase. The flames found their way
from the stove and ignited the wood
work
Mrs. Cohn with her son and husband
the day with relatives in Lafayette She
was not apprised Of the destruction of her
home until she reached the end of CaId-
We'll street, about One-half a block from
her home
Mrs. Cohn Is troubled with a weak heart
and when told of the fire she became
deirious and was carried TO the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Remus Okey. 612 Caldwell
street. She swOoned and il was with
difflculty that she was revived On account
OF the condition OF her heart fears were
entertained by friends for her recovery
When she revived she appeared for an in
slant fully recovered and glancing over
her shoulder her fve-year-old son
sitting calmly on a chair. At the sight Of
her son Mrs. Cohn began to weep and again
ewooned. After about fifteen minutes work
by friends she was again revived but al
most Immediately collapsed and remained
In an unconscious condition for nearly
half an hour.
The loss on the Cohn house. which is
owned by /. y. Richey. will amount to 81
900. including the furniture. as nothing was
saved The Lutz home was DESTROYED and
the loss VIII amount 20 81. 500. The loss to
the Weigmeier home will amount to ST. zoo
They were partially insured
Where the fire occurred is known as
Stanley Park IL Is situated about one
block east OF White river. north of Mich
igan street. and extends TO Riverside Park