Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1905-06-07
EXPOSITION A
MASS OF RUINS.
Milwaukee's Mammoth Amusement and
Convention Hall Wiped
Out by Fire.

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Convention Hall Wiped
Out by Fire.
Milwaukee, Wis, June 5.-[Special.]
-Milwaukee's mammoth Exposition
building, which in it's time has housed
millions Of pleasure seekers and conven-
ton visitors, was wiped out by fire Sun
day evening. The blaze was discovered
at 6 o'clock, and in less than an hours
time the building was a furnace OF fam
ing ruins.
A general alarm of fire brought the
entire fire department to the scene to
protect adjoining property, and thou
sands of people watched the blaze.
Loss Almost $4,000.
The structure covered the entire block
between Fourth, Cedar, Fifth and State
streets. The loss on the building is esti
mated at 100000 The contents were
valued at $4,000 and damage to build
ings in the neighborhood will amount to
sured for $4,000.
When the blaze was discovered 500
members of the North American Skat
league were in the building. All escaped
safely, although many lost cloaks and
wraps in the wild scramble to leave the
place. One woman tainted and was car
ried to q place Of safety.
The cause of the fire is unknown. 1t
is thought to have originated from
crossed electric wires or defective wiring.
The blaze started among decorations III
the southwest corner of the building and,
in a short time, fed by dry timbers and
f1imsy decorations, swept the huge struc-
ture from end to end. In an hours time
only the tall towers Of the building, a sad
spectacle Of blackened timbers and top
ping supports, were left standing. 1t
was not until late this morning, however,
that the last piece of fire department APP
paratus, was withdrawn.
Three Firemen Hurt.
Three members of the fire department
were the only persons to suffer injury
during the fire, but none was seriously
hurt. They are:
Charles Heinze, fireman, truck company
No 10, cut about right eye with glass;
taken to Trinity hospital.
Terry O'DOnnell, driver, truck company
No ], struck unconscious by falling beam;
returned to work after medical attendance.
Frank Obendorf, engineer, engine com
pany No. 5, head cut by falling brick; re-
turned to work after medical ATTENDANCE
Big Dome Falls.
The building was in the shane of a.
Greek cross with the longer arms ex-
tending toward State and Cedar streets.
In the center lowered the immense DOME
When the heat broke the glass in this,
the fire leaped toward it from the south
side, where it had started. 1t spread
rapidly to the dome and to the north por-
ton of the structure. Five minutes after
the first blaze was seen, the big dome
fell, carrying with it the greater part of
the roof 1t was then that neighboring
dwellings and stores were threatened
seriously, for embers and burning brands
were carried far by a stiff north breeze.
Chief Enters Burning Building.
Chief Harden ordered three companies
to enter the building, but wisely refused
to allow them to go farther than the first
facade which fronts on Fifth street.
With members Of engine company, No.
20, he had gone to the gallery, but was
obliged to jump when flames spread to
the canvas roofing.
Members of companies Nos. l and p
joined them at the facade, and the little
knot of fire fighters stepped back barely
in time to escape the crash of debris and
timbers that accompanied the falling of
the dome AS it was, splinters and flying
timbers struck several of the men.
Damage totaling about $4,000 was done
to property in the neighborhood Of this,
the heaviest loss. $4,000, falls on the
Portland flats, 519-525 Cedar street,
owned by Caroline scammon. The
Lamp & Miller company, brass found
ers, at 500 Cedar street, lost $1,000. The
3. Hoffman, Manufa curing company,
250 Sixth street, and Mrs. Belle Parker,
SO Cedar street, also suffered losses APP
proximating $1,000.
Was a Famous Structure.
The Exposition building was one Of the
most famous structures in Milwaukee.
1t was built in 1881, according to plans
of e. Townsend Mix, on property left
the city for a public market by Byron
Kilbourn. The property was leased to
an organization of business men, headed
by John Plankinton, for a term Of fifty
years. Under the provisions Of the char
ter Of the organization, none Of the stock
holders could receive dividends from the
project, the money being turned back
into the Improvement Of the property
The building has been used for indus
trial expositions, roller and ice Kinks,
vaudeville performances, band concerts.
political meetings and state conventions.
Grover Cleveland spoke there In 1884.
William Mckinley addressed a great
audience there just before his first term.
James 6. Blaine spoke there during his
campaign. Prince Henry of Prussia
was there when he visited milwaukee,
three years ago, and Roosevelt spoke
there two years ago. Gilm5res, Sousa's.
Brooks, United States Marine, EIlery's
and other famous bands appeared there.
Plans already are on foot for the cree
ton of a 100000 building to suppIant
the ruined structure. For months past,
a project has been under way to pur-
chase the old building, tear it down. and
replace it with a large convention hall
suitable for musical and similar gather
ings. This project is now in a fair way
to see it's realization.