The daily morning journal and courier., 1904-12-14
ARMORY OF TROOP H
 DESTROYED BY FIRE
SPECTACULAR BLAZE CONSUMES
 THE ENTIRE STRUCTURE.

Flames Light Up the scene-EnEines
 Experience Difficulty in. Reaching
 Fire Owing to the Deep snou-LOss
 Estimated at s2O,OOO, Insurance s12,-
 OOO-Descriptton of the Ruilding-.
 Origin of Conaagration Unknown.
 Shortly before o'clock last evening one of the most spectacular fires in the history of New Haven broke out in the handsome new armory which was being erected by Troop A Cavalry association lon Orange street just beyond Canner. The armory being the last building on Orange street, the fire presented most unique sight. The building was constructed entirely of wood and the fire gained headway rapidly. The great blazing pile lit up with lurid, demoni- acal glare the silent snow covered fields beyond. and the rugged cliffs of East Rock. mantled deep with snow. Hun dreds of people gathered to witness the confiagration despite the deep snow and cold.
 Just before o'clock the alarm came in from box 5sS at Orange and Gamer streets. The big fire apparatus expert enced considerable difficulty in reach ing the scene of action on account of the deep snow, but the horses struggled valiantly onward. When the depart ment arrived the fire had already gain ed great headway, and in spite of the efforts of the firemen the building was entirely destroyed. Engines 4, 8 and 10 and truck responded to the alarm. No second alarm was found necessary. as the armory was practically isolated. The flames reached majestic propor- tions and cast S reflection upon the sky which could be seen distinctly in the center of the city.
 The new armorw has been in course of construction for some time past and was almost entirely completed. The members of Troop A have been eagerly looking forward to occupying the new building, which they expected to be able to do about the first of January. Practically all the work that remained to be done was the completion of the 1 interior painting which was progressing favorably under the hands of MT, Kan negeiser, who had the painting con tract. The disappo and grief of the company are consequently exceed iingly keen.
 The building was erected at a cost of about $2O,0OO and that sum represents the loss from the fire. The loss was covered by insurance to the extent of $12,OO0 placed in various companies through the Germania Fire Insurance company The structure was about the height of a three story building with a front in the style of a mediaeval cas- tie. The larger part of the main floor is occupied by a large riding hall 9Ox150 feet. This was fronted by a portion l of the building intended to be used as a sort of club room which was to be. used for games such as billiards and pool, and there were also shower baths in this section of the armory.
 Tn second floor was intended for q parlor, company room and officers room. The third floor was to contain l 8 janitors room, a kitchen with ranges, 3 hall with stage and toilet rooms.
 Tn the front of the main drill room there was a spacious gallery, capable of seating about 400 people. At the rear another smaller gallery was built for a band platform.
 Along the north side of the building ran rife range, 100 yards in length. The building contract was held by Carl A. Knoll. Meagher had the plumb l ing and Kannegeiser the painting. The plans were drawn by Brown and Won Beren. The builders risk was still on the building.
 The origin of the fire is not known. The flames started in the drill hall. Some varnish was stored in this room. and this may have been ignited in some way. It is understood also that the heating plant had been installed.
 None of the equipment or furnishings of the building had yet been installed | in the structure.
 The building was built by an asso- citation entitled Troop A Armorya asso- citation and bonds of $10O each were is sued and taken by members of the asso- citation and others The financing of the work was accomplished by the New Ha- ven trust company. The building was a tasteful and pleas ling addition to that section of the city, and it's destruction is cause for sincere regret on the part of all New HaveS- CTS.
 Captain Luzerne Luddington, conn mander of the troop, was one of the earliest persons on the scene, and wit
 messed the destruction of the edifice nritl dnnr, o1a, ion s. Inf ranrrat