Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1907-01-30

church bells and the blowing of Union
shoe factory whistle awoke the firemen
and citizens to the fact that dangerous
fire threatened.
The origin OF the flee is unknown. 1t
started evidently at the rear of the build
ing, either in the printing Office or be-
tween the ceiling and floors above it. 1t
evidently had been smouldering for some
time, as it had spread through the walls
and partitions when discovered.
The hydrant on State street was caught
with ice, and was broken in the attempt
to open it. This caused some delay at the
outset, and it was early seen that the
building was doomed. There was no time
to save anything from it,
The dividing walls between the burning
building and the hardware store of Morri-
son, Joy & Co. stood the test, and though
for time it seemed as il the entire State
street row would go, only once did the
fire get through into the attic of the ad-
joining building when timber was found
to be smouldering, but dash of water
stopped it there.
THE LOSSES.
The loss falls heaviest on Lygonia lodge,
which owned the building. The building
could not be replaced short Of $4,000.
The loss on furnishings and regalia is
about $1,000. The lodge carried 5000 in
surance.
But the money value Of the building
and furnishings is not the most serious
loss sustained by the lodge. Lygonia
lodge is one of the oldest in the State, and
had at its hall complete records running
back to its organization in 1922. All these
were destroyed, except those Of compare
lively recent years, back to about 1880,
which being in different part of the
building, came through the fire badly
damaged but still decipherable.
The loss of these old records is ire
parable, as also two large portraits, an
album containing photographs of some of
the oldest members, which cannot be re-
placed; fine case; the neurology Of some
go names; an original letter of Gen.
George Washington recommending Count
priceless legacy; all the ancient aprons
and diplomas and gavel from the Mother
lodge at Jerusalem, presented to Lygonia
lodge few years ago by Chief Justice L.
A. Emery.
The lodge was especially well equipped
as to regalia and paraphernalia, with new
Jewels, and also with furnishings for
lodge room, kitchen and banquet room.
In the hall was a square piano, owned by
the lodge, and in the lodge room an up
right piano owned by Irene chapter, o. E.
D. The chapter also lost all its regalia.
The chapter had no insurance.
PLANS OF THE DEMOCRAT.
The loss on the Democrat is estimated at
from 5000 to $500. They had an insur-
anee OF $1,000. Adiusters have been here
this week, and have practically completed
Their work. No meeting of the di-
reetors of the Ellsworth Publishing
Co., publishers of The Democrat, has
yet been held, and until such meeting is
held, nothing definite can be said as to
future plans, although it is understood
that the business will be resumed as soon
as location can be secured and new
plant installed.
PLANS OF THE LODGE.
just what Lygonia lodge will do as to
rebuilding, is undecided. The charter OF
the lodge was destroyed, and until dis
pensation from the grand lodge is received
nothing can be done. The use Of the
lodge rooms in the Manning block has