The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-07-13
'STRATF0RD FAIRFIELD SOUTHPORT Daily Chroncngs of the Dogs of Our Country Cousins by The - Farmers Special Correspondent
MYSTERY SURROUNDS FIRE.
Burning of Rock Building At tributed to Various Causes
Especial to the Farmer.)

Special to the Farmer.) Fairfield, July 13-The burning of the Rock building on Spring street early yesterday morning was attended with many circumstances which lend an air of mystery to the affair, when discov- cred by two Norwalk motorists the whole of the interior was on fire. They also pounded on the door of the fire house directly opposite. Attorney Clitus King was the first to respond and Dr. w. H. Donaldson also appeared. The f1remen responded to the alarm Wh1s- tie at the Rubber shop. and laid two lines of hose. but they were unable to do anything but protect the build ings in the neighborhood.. It was the hottest fire in the history of the town, and buildings over 100 feet away were scorched. The Bridgeport auto chem ical arrived but was of no use, the fire being then almost burned out. The loss to Daniel Rock, who owned the building, is about g, 50O His loss on hardware and other stock is esu- mated at 8, 500. The building was in- sured for $2, 900. There was also an insurance on the stock MT. Rock has been i'll for long time and was slow ly recovering. He is prostrated by the excitement, which will hinder his recovery. w. c. KinseNa carried a full insurance on his stock He is unable as yet to estimate his loss, but 1t will probably reach $2,000. Various causes are attributed to the fire. MT. Kinsella says that several times in the past year he has found his place in condition which demonstrated be- yond doubt that there had been visitors during the night. After cxr hiS r1lo has found cigarette stunps and burnt matches on the floor in the morning. He has been damaged several times by vandals He believes that some one in town has keys by which en- trance was gained to his store and of such a visit. A few iron coil pipes belonging to Mfr. Rock was all that was saved from the building. MT. Rocks safe was opened yesterday and the contents were found intact The report that the safe was blown open was a mistake. There were several distinct explosions during the fire, at tributed by some to fireworks stored in the Kinsella store, and by others to bottles of chemicals. The telephone service of the town was seriously crip- pied by the fire, which burned out the wires and switches which passed by the store
 The next meeting of the Greenfield Grange will be held on August l. It will be the only meeting during the month.
 MT. and Mrs Carl williams have re- turned from a visit with friends in Mt Vernon. N. Y.
 A baby boy arrived at the home of MT. and Mrs. Frederick c. Banks this week
 A lawn party at the home of Mrs. Emma Hillier was given last night by the Ladies' Afternoon Whist Club. Re- treatments were served in addition. to the usual diversions of the club. There was a large attendance.
 Prof. Charles c. Saunders has re- turned from a motor trip to New Lon- don, where he saw the boat races
 The Agnes Murray estate at Green field Hill, which has been am eyesore to the residents of the vicinity for years, is being transformed into a. beauty spot by the new owner, Mrs Lloyd Griscom. Mrs. Grisco1H pro- poses to make further improvements.
 Deputy Sheriff H. R. Elwood has Flint in the Saum building, at the cen ter, and he will be found there almost any morning ready for business.
 The case against Isaiah Terry of Bethel, charged with reckless driving, was heard before Justice Hitchcock at P1attsvil1e, yesterday. The testimony of the accused and a friend who was with him indicated that he was in clined to cover up nothing. He stat ed that at the time he killed dog owned by First Selectman Fox he was confronted by two wagons, two dogs and a trolley car. He thought he could get through all right. but was unable to make the passage without hitting at least one of the dogs. Jus tice Hitchcock fined the accused $ and costs, remitting the fine on the payment of the costs MT, Terry ap- pealed. He was not represented by attorney at the trial. Justice Bacon Wakeman will represent Selectman Fox in the civil suit which has been brought.
 Mrs. Johanna Smith and daughter, Mrs. Daniel Higgins, of Bridgeport. have been the guests of Mrs. Harry Barker for three days.
 Michael Bulkley who has been miss ing from his usual haunts for months, was seen about again yesterday. THOMAS NOON, bottler of fine bears
 and liquors. Free delivery at Fair
 field Reach Mondays and Fridays