Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-06-27
More Noted Buildings and AL
most Priceless Collections
Spared-Return of Refugees
AS Danger Is Diminished
MILITIA COMPANIES
HANDLING SITUATION
Train and Trolley Service Re-
sumed-Work of Relief for
Homeless-Mayor Hurley Is
Active

ness in the fact that although many
of the rare old colonial mansions
which have contributed TO the fame
of the Witch City" were destroyed,
the more noted buildings and mu-
seums, with their priceless collections
of antiquities, were spared The
birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne
and the House of Seven Cables and
the old customs house, immertalized in
his novels, We're threatened for a time
and the flames approached dangerous
ly close to the Peabody museum and
the Essex Institute, but none of these
structures were damaged.
Militia in Control
The companies of militia summoned
to assist in maintaining order patrol
led the streets throughout last night
and today. Martial law was not de-
clared, but no one was permitted to
approach the fire swept area without
a pass. Only a single attempt at loot
ing was discovered and this was frus-
trated, the three men concerned run
ming away. Before sunrise today
crowds filled the streets surrounding
the fire zone and the militiamen were
| kept busy restraining them from pene-
trating among the great piles of
blackened bricks and timbers.
Refugees Find Rest
On the common and in open spaces
in the outskirts of the city thousands
of refugees tried to find a little rest
during the night. Many stretched them
selves out on the grass; others had
| managed to save mattresses or rock
ing chairs from their burned homes
Little groups huddled together about
piles of households goods stood guard
over the meagre possessions left to
| them. Children, some frightened and
crying, others not old enough to real
ize the meaning of it all and gleefully
haiing the nights adventures as a
lark, added to the strangeness of the
scene.
Costly Homes Burned
The costly residences OF the wealthy
| and the dingy tenements of laborers
had been devoured impartially by the
flames and rich ana poor shared alike
in the discomforts which followed.
There was no adequate shelter avail
/ able in Salem for the throngs so sud
denly forced to the streets, and al
though the more fortunate residents
Hospitality opened their homes to as
many as possible and public buildings
were transformed into dormitories, a
steady stream of men, women and
children passed during the night over
the bridge to Beverly. Similar relief
measures were taken in that city. but
even there many remained out of
! doors all night.
A Night of Darkness
Throughout most of the night the city
was in darkness, owing to the partial
destruction of the electric lighting plant.
Trolley and steam railroad communica-
ton was cut off. The burned area today
was mass of bricks with here and there
a chimney gauntly standing out against
the skyline and pipes and wires tangled
and twisted into fantastic designs,
Trains and trolley services interrupted
by fire last night were resumed today
and thousands of sightseers thronged to
the city while many others, ordered out
of their homes by the police when the
fire was at its height, returned to learn
whether their houses had been devoured
by the flames or whether they were
had been spared
Refugees Returning
During the forenoon the tide of travel
which all last night had been across the
bridge into Beverly, turned and hum
dreds who had fed in terror streamed
back into the city and returned to their
deserted homes.
Stores in the business section which
had been obliged to close last night when
the electric lighting plant was burned.
reopened this morning and that part of
the city resumed a more normal appear
ance. Restaurants and lunch rooms
which had escaped the flames did a
thriving business while their supplies
lasted. but there were many OF the home
less who had no money with which to
buy food They were cared for so far as
possible at the relief stations at the
armory, the City hall and elsewhere.
Wagons and automobile loads of food be-
gan to arrive from surrounding cities at
daylight and every effort was made by
the city officials to see that all in need
were provided for.
Farmers to Rescue
One of the greatest difficulties expert
enced early was in obtaining milk for
the babies. but farmers in outlying
towns came to the rescue and 1t was be-
lieved that sufficient supply would De
secured.
Mayor Hurley, whose high hat and
frock coat worn on all occasions have
made him a unique figure in municipal
circles, led in the work of relief. His
own home destroyed by the flames he
spent the night in the fire zone lending
hand wherever needed, directing the
work of firemen, policemen and rescuers,
first in one section of the city and then
in another. Today he visited the relief
stations and saw to it that everything
possible was done for the sufferers.