The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1905-06-08
EXPOSITION A
MASS OF RUINS.
Milwaukee's Mammoth Amusement and
Convention Hall Wiped
Out by Fire.

Milwaukee, Wis, June 81 Special
-Milwaukee's mammoth Exposition
building, which in its 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 hour
time the building was a furnace of fam
ing ruins.
A general alarm of fire brought the
entire tire 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
$4,000 more. The Exposition was IN
sured for $4,000.
When the blaze was discovered COO
members of the North American Sk0t
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 Il place of safety.
The cause of the tire 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 ana,
in short time, fed by dry umbers and
tlimsy decorations, swept the huge struc-
ture from end to end In an hours time
only the tell towers of the building, O SAD
spectacle of biackened timbers and top
ping supports, We're 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paratus, was withdrawn.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. Donucll, driver, truck company
No. !. struck unconscious by falling beam
returned to work after medical attendance
Frank Obendorf engineer, engine COM
pany No. 3. head cut 10y falling brick; re-
turned 10 work after medical attendance
Sig Dome Falls.
The building was in the shape 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 lcaped toward it from the south
side. where it had started. 1t spread
rapidly to the dome and 10 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 We're 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 20 farther than the hrst
facade which fronts on fltth street.
With members Of engine company, NO.
20. he had gone to the gallery, but was
obliged to jump when halnes spread 10
the canvas roofing.
Members of companies Nos. ! and Il
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 totaiing about $4,000 was done
TO property III the neighborhood. OF tins,
Portland flats, 519-525 Cedar street,
owned by Caroline Scammon. The
Lamp & Miller company, brass found
ers. at 800 Cedar street, lost $1,000. The
Il. Hoffman, Manufacturing company,
80 Sixth street, and Mrs. Belle Parker,
90 Cedar street, also suffered losses APP
proXiInating $1,000.
Was Famous Structure.
The Exposition building was one of the
most famous structures in Milwaukee,.
1t was built in 1881, according to plans
of +. Townsend Mix, on property left
the city for public market by Byron
Kilbourn. The property was leased to-
an organization of business men, headed
hy John Plankinton, for term of fifty
wears. Under the provisions of the char
ter Of the organization. none of the stock
holders could receive dividends from the
nroiect. 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,
nolitical meetings and state conventions.
Grover Cleveland spoke there in 1854.
William Mckinley addressed great
audience there just before his first term.
James G.. Blaine spoke there during his
campaign. Prince Henry of Prussia
was there when lie visited Milwaukee,
three years ago, and Roosevelt spoke
there two years ago. Gilmore's. Sousa's.
brooks United States Marine, Elery's
and other famous bands appeared there.
Plans already are on foot for the cree
,ion of n 100000 building to supplaut
tho ruined structure. For months past
n proiect has been under way to pur-.
chase the old building, tear it down, and
ireplacc il with a large convention hail,
suitable for musical and similar gather
;ngs This project is now in a fair Wuy