Western Carolina Democrat and French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1913-1915, 1915-04-08
W. F. CASE LOSES GROCERY
STORE By MORNING FIRE.
TWo-Story Brick Building of Lance
Homes Destroyed and Entire Gen.
tents of Both Floors Burned.

The business district of Henderson
vile suffered one Of the most serious
fires that has. visited il for a long
time when the two-stoFy brick build
ing occupied by the grocery store OF
w. F. Case was completely destroyed
Tuesday morning shortly after 2
O'Clock.
The fire had made such progress
when it was discovered that no efforts
were made to save any of the con-
tents of the building, as result OF
which they were total loss.
Mr.. Case Heavy Loser.
Mr.. Case lost his entire stock of
groceries valued at three to four thou
sand dollars and carried about 81 500
insurance. The upper floor was stor-
cd with furniture belonging to a. W
Calhoun, w. d. Lohman and Mr.. Free
man, and the loss by these is estima-
ted at from two to three thousand
dollars.
Sam Johnston and his family, who
had been occupying the building for
some time, vacated it on Monday AMI
since there were no occupants the fire
had made considerable headWay be-
lore DR.. A. C. Tebeau, who occupied
the adjoining building, discovered il
and turned in the alarm. Fire fight
ers were soon on the scene and were
playing three streams on the blaze,
which extended over the entire build
ing with length or 125 feet. There
was little wind and the iremen pRe-
vented the fire from spreading to adj
joining buildings. The blaze was 50
high at times that fear of its spread
ing was entertained as result of
which a call was made for the Ashe-
vile fire department, which could
not render assistance as the depart
ment was busy fighting fire at River
side park, where Asheville experience
ed costly confagration, which burned
down some of the buildings Of the
popular amusement grounds.
Firemen Did Good Work.
The firemen were the recipients of
praise for their work in condning the
to the one building and there was no
cessation il f1ghtin until streams had
been playing in the flames for about
three hours.
Origin of the Fire Unknown.
The origin of the fire is unknown.
1t is understood that some of those
who first reached the building dis
covered that the rear door was open.
1t is generally believed that the fire
started on the second floor and some
what to the rear of the building.
Mr.. Case does not believe that it
was the work of incindiarfes or rob-
bers, but that as result Of the NOV
ing on the previous day some embers
or matches were unintentionally left
in the building.
Many expressions of sympathy were
extended to Mr.. Case in his heavy
loss, which represents years of toll.
BY close attention to his business and
his honest endeavor to build up
growing patronage, his business had
assumed gratifying proportions and in
order that he might provide more
modern facilities he had recently an
nounced his intention of purchasing
a motor car for delivery purposes.
VIII Open Store Again.
Mr.. Case stated to a representative
of the Democrat Tuesday morning
that he would arrange to resume bus
mess as soon as he could find suitable
quarters and place stock Of goods.
He said that while he knew 1t was i'm
possible for the firemen to save his
store. he wished to express his ap-
probation for their valuable services
and for their success in preventing
loss to others. Within short time
Mr.. Case hopes to be serving his GUS
toners and while he regrets his ina
bility to do so Immediately he wilt
seek their further patronage just as
soon as necessary arrangements can
be made.