Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-11-28
In Upper Mil Of the Box,
Board and Paper Plant.
Damage is Heavy and Shut
down May Be Prolonged.


Fairfield, Me-, Nov. 27.-(SpeciaD.-
The inhabitants of this town were
awakened about O'Clock, Monday
morning, by the ringing of bells and the
blowing of whistles, with the exception
of those who had already arisen and
were preparing to leave their homes for
their places of business. The cause of
the commotion was soon found to be a
fire in the mill of the United Box,
Board & Paper Cos. plant on the
Island, known as the Upper mill. The
blaze was a bright one, and lighted up
the sky to a wide extent for some miles
around. The fire was first discovered
by Fred Knowles. an employee of the
company, who was passing through
the room where it caught. This was
about $40 Mr.. Knowles notified people
as rapidly as possible, and line of
hose was laid from the mill apparatus.
The fire department were soon on the
scene, but the fire had been such a
rapid one that it had gotten consider
able Roadway before it could be
quenched. The department worked
fast and tirelessly until the flames We're
all subdued and it was felt that there
were to be no new outbreaks. Several
hours after the fire started, a stream of
water was kept pouring upon the
smouldering ruins. The cause of the
fire is a mystery to ALL When the
Waterman made his usual rounds at
5.15. everything was apparently all
ricrbt rnoiSfnrnd tn haf
effect in all of the rooms.
The fire caught in the room where the
machine shop is located, and spread
from there to the room containing the
wet machines. These two rooms are
badly damaged. OF course as yet it is
almost impossible to tell how much
damage is done. as it cannot be told
how much of the machinery may be
used again, and how much is total
loss. 1t was thought, however. that
part of the machinery might be saved
while some would be a total loss. Sever
al of the workmen who had tools in the
machine shop lost all they had. and the
loss to these men is quite heavy
Ernest w. Bell estimated his loss at
about $500, William Taylor as $3.50, and
Joseph Perry as about 800. No insur-
ance was carried on the tools. The loss
at the mill is covered by insurance, or
at least the repairs can no doubt be
made with the amount of insurance,
with no great loss to the company.
The great loss is the temporary shut
down. and the throwing of 100 or more
men out of employment at a time of
year when it is hard work to secure
employment, at least in town. Many of
these men have families here, and of
course if possible, would prefer to stay
in town. They can, no doubt. secure
work in the woods, if the mill is not
started in a few weeks. 1t cannot be
definitely stated at this time, just what
the management will do in the matter,
to be held before anything can be done.
The company has just laid the found
alton for the installing of new dying
machines. ana the prospects at the
present time seemed very bright. The
putting in of the drying machines will
no doubt increase the output of the mill.
and will also render the manufacture of
pulp at a less cost, after they are in
stalled, as at the present time, the cost
of freight has been too much to admit
cf d proper profit. After the pulp has
been put through these machines. it
can be shipped at much greater pro-
fit, as it will weigh a great deal less.
and in this way large amount will be
saved on freight