The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-08-02

The Bellevue washery, owned and
operated by the Delaware. Lackawan-
ma and Western company, was COM
pletely destroyed by fire last night, en-
failing loss of $35,OOO on building and
machinery. The origin OF the fire is
shrouded in mystery, and until thor
ough investigation is made the cause
cannot be ascertained.
a cloud of smoke was seen issuing
from the engine room of the washery
shortly before 0 o'clock, and following
1t came volume Of flame. The watch
men employed about the premises gave
the alarm by sounding the gong at the
Bellevue breaker and this was supple
mented by an alarm from Box 324, at
the corner of Archibald street and Cor
bett avenue.
Six men were employed in the tower
of the washery, making some repairs,
when the fire broke out. They were
hastily notified and succeeded in maxi
ing their escape without much trouble.
Shortly afterwards the building was
completely enveloped in flames, the oil
soaked timbers being very susceptible
to the fire.
"Leu tle llTel1leIl dTTlVeu, INey eN-
perienced much difficulty in securing
water, the only stream obtainable be-
ing from the pumps attached to the
washery. This proved to be of little
service, and in consequence the build
ing was totally destroyed.
LIT UP THE CITY.
The illumination from the burning
W a q Ecph cd fba x,yI,r,
end Of the city, and attracted thou
sands of persons to the scene many
of whom were under the impression at
first that the Bellevue breaker was
being consumed. The city police and
railroad detectives were on the scene,
together with Superintendent r. A.
Phillips, District Superintendent Evan
Evans and score of other officials,
but they could render little service.
None Of them could give the slight
est idea as to how the fire originated.
They were positive in asserting that. no
fires of any kind We're in the building.
The steam plant Is located several hun
dred yards away from the washery, and
the operating power was supplied
through a steam pipe line extending
from the power house to the washery.
<hS Lar DIS COulu Ue ledFHeu INe I'M
preston prevailed that the fire started
in or near the engine room, but as
there was no one in there at the time,
| none of the workmen could attempt to
explain it's origin. A large force of
watchmen were employed about the
| premises, but they could offer no ex-
PLANTATION as to how the fire started.
No demonstration of any kind was
| made in or about the washery during
the evening, and not an employe or
watchman could be found who had
seen anybody about the premises who
| might be suspected Of having fired the
building.
The firemen worked heroically for
several hours endeavoring to eXtin-
guish, the flames, but their efforts had
little effect. The flames only died
| away when the massive timbers had
| been burned to ashes.
MACHINERY DESTROYED.
Much Of the machinery in the washery
was totally destroyed, and a loaded car
of coal, which stood under the chute
shed, was partially burned. The wash
cry was situated far enough away from
| the steam plant and breaker to prevent
the flames from spreading to either of
| these buildings.
When working at it's fullest capacity,
the washery had a capacity of over
1000 tons of coal per day.
About forty men We're employed
there yesterday, and $50 tons were
turned out, which is big days work.
1t was built about three years ago,
and has been operated almost continu-
ally since. A force of men will be put
to work this morning clearing away
the debris, and work will be commenced
as soSn as possible in building new
washery.
Jenny Lind and Jumbo Watermelons,
Fancy Peaches and Green Limas.