Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-11-14

anu oiOhSh. lhS hSdSf PidtS SidSo III
the front of H. E. Muudey's postofiice
building were destroyed. as were most
of those in the store of J. L. Welshans.
Had these buildings once taken fire, the
loss of property would probably have
been frightful.
The fact that considerable rain had
fallen the previous day was providential
thing. Had it not been for this soaking,
doubtless many other fires would have
been started at various places in the town.
Myriad sparks filled the air and the wind
from the northwest carried burning en-
bers long distance. II was beautifully
terrible sight to see the air literally filled
with brilliant sparks and glowing embers
drifting over the eastern section OF the
town. Persons were on the alert to see
that none OF these occasioned further
trouble. The roof OF ]. K. Shows house
on Princess street was set afire, but it
was extinguished after burning good
sized hole in the roof. MIR. Shows
household goods were taken out OF the
building in double-quick time, although
this proved to be an unnecessary trouble.
Many other householders east OF the fire,
and in the line of danger, had their most
cherished possessions packed up, ready
to be moved at moments notice. For
tunately none OF these anticipated troubles
were realized, as most of the sparks died
without doing damage. AT VIM. K.
Decks Rouse, at the extreme east end OF
town, the cellar door was set afire, but
this was easily extinguiShed.
When the fire was at its worst Mayor
Martin telephoned to HagerStown ask
ing for help. The response from our
neighboring firemen was prompt and
generous. Fire Marshal Mddlekauff at
once began arrangements to send an en-
CINE here, and as soon as possible the
First Hagerstown Hose Company, in
command of Chief Edward MunSon, was
on its way with its splendid $500 auto
truck, magnificent piece of fighting
machinery. The Norfolk & Western
Railway made the run here in "a minutes
with special train, and the auto-truck
was unloaded at Lemen'S elevator about
half-paSt O'Clock. 1t looked mighty
good to see the HagerstoWnerS and their
big machine come dashing down the
street, and the cheers that greeted them
were from the very bottom OF the hearts
OF our people. Their engine was put to
work at the High street water-Stop OF the
town run, and rendered most efficient
service in helping TO save the Entler
Hotel building, throwing big stream al
a critical time. Later the engine was put
out of service for time, owing to lis be-
coming clogged with leaves and trash
sucked from the stream. The HagerS-
town firemen relieved our home boys,
who had become exhausted from their
long fight, and gave excellent help.
They remained with us until all the dan
ger was over, returning on the 1871
train. Our people are most deeply ap-
preciative of the timely aid so freely
giyenI
The ShepherdStown firemen remained
on duty until Saturday night, most OF the
time throwing three streams OF water on
the burning debris. Watchmen were put
on duty, as there was still Smoulderlng
fire and the folks in that end OF town
were mighty nervous. BY Sunday even
| ing the embers had frightened up under
the tanning OF brisk breeze, and the en-
CINE was gotten out again and water
poured upon the ruins until the fire was
thoroughly discouraged. Our Silsby
steam engine proved itselfto be splendid
machine and ran like cloCk-Work for
hours at stretch. Chief Engineer Henry
| Melester stayed on the job with great
faithfulnesS, and was ably assisted by r.
| g. Miller and Herbert Rogers. Our fire.
men were all faithful and efficient, and
we have heard nothing but praise for the
efficient manner in which they fought the
flames. Had it not been for their unuSu-
ally good work the loss OF property would
have been much larger.
During the fire Mrs. Joseph L. Cookus
and her daughters started to make coffee
for the firemen, and it proved a popular
drink with those who were working to
save the property and who felt the need
of stimulant. Mrs. CookuS made about
twenty gallons OF coffee, and Miss Sally
Powell, Mrs. Robert Gibson and other
ladies' carried if to the workers. Mrs.
David Lemen made scores Of sandwiches,
which were also most acceptable. twas
recalled that Miss Nettie Entler had al
ways been the first TO have the coffeepot
boiling in times of public stress, but this
was the one time she failed, Tor she was
now being burnt out of house and home
and others took her place and carried on
her good work.
The burned buildings were right in the
heart OF the business section, and win
the exception OF the Loyns house, were
old and substantial brick and stone Struc-
lures. The Entler building was built, il
is said, in 1893, making it nearly 10
years old. All this time it had been in
the Entler family without once having
changed ownership. 1t was substantial
brick building OF stately appearance, three
stories high, and would doubtless have
stood for another hundred years or so
had not the fire destroyed it. The hand
some old colonial arched doorway was
very fine, and attracted much attention
from strangers who visited here. The
front part of this building was erected by
| Db;l;D EptIar tho fret Of hic family IA