Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-09-12
ABOUT WIPED OUT.
Most of the Little Town Of
Eustis Burned.
Over Thirty Buildings Destroyed and
but IA Left Unframed.
Fire Started in Coburn Hotel-Only
Protection Bucket Brigade.

Watcrvillc, Me, Sept. 11-(SpeciaD.
The report Of the almost total des-
truction of the little town of Eustis by
fire was received here, this morning. AS
the fire started at about 23o, this after
noon, it has not been possible to obtain
an accurate detailed account, but it is
believed that the loss will be in the
neighhorhood of $tGo00O, us over 80
buildings are reported destroyed ana
but If left unharmcd.
The llc started in the Coburn hotel,
presumably from a defective chimney.
and secured a good start before dis
covered. In fact, the whole upper part
of the building was in flames almost as
soon as it was known that there was a
fire. This hotel is located at the end
"f line Of buildings ana the wind was
blowing strongly straight upon them,
so that the flames spread very rapidly
and soon got beyond the control Of the
bucket brigades, the only means of
fighting them.
: Wild scenes followed as the fire
eeemrd To be everywhere. In 20 min
utes after the start it is said that u
buildings were burning. The wine
seemed4o shift constantly SO that it
was impossible to tell in what direction
they might go next. 1t was soon seer
that it was frutless to attempt TO save
any OF the buildings in the path of the
fire, andAall energies We're bent on res
cuing as much as possible of the con-
tents. s2aFurniturc was placed i'm wha t
was considered safe places only to be
reached by the flames with a change OF
wind ana burned where it lay. Build
ings that appeared safe one minute
were almost doomed the next. Wher
ii seemed that at last the fire was dy
ing down it took a new direction anG
swept all in its path that way. Nc
building was safe for an instant and no
one could tell what might go next.
The people fought until exhausted,
but always against frightful odds and
with little success. At times when ii
seemed that q bucket brigade could
conquer the fire increased furiously
and hurled the men from its path. Sc
it ragged here and there over the little
village until there was no more to burr
and died away ut the open country.
There were over 50 summer guests II
the hotels as the village is favorite
place Tor fishermen and hunters in the
seasons. Many of these We're out or
the stream and lost much money and
personal effects left behind in then
rooms.
1t could not be determined, today
how much insurance there was on the
BUILDINGS burned. 1t is understood
that 4 good deal was allowed to rur
out Il short time ago on account of the
high rates that were charged, and tina
many viii not have 4 dollar on thei'
property The population of the tow
is considerably less than 1000. ant
nearly every inhabitant will suffer di-
rectly or indirectly from the fire. Tho
blow Will be especially severe just al
this time when the rush of hunters i
about To- set in
\ complete list of the building.
burned could not be obtained, tonight
but the following was secured: Cobur
liotel and stable, Thomas league, pro
rrietoi Liberty Gordan's house am
store; Joseph st. Ober's store an,
storehouse: Andrew Boynton's house
and store; John Sylvestcr's house anj
store; the Old Tenement House Com
mon name for a large buildins); Mrs
Emery's house and stable: Leavit
House; Mrs. Norton's house and stable
Fred Davis house; Mr.. Lishncss