The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1919-02-20
JOHNSON DEPT. STORE
DESTROYED BY FIRE
Worst Fire in MiIler's History Burn
Sutphen Building to Ground---Other
Buildings Not Even Sc0rched
FIRE LOSSES
$4,000 $4,000

VHVsyVV D-otC'f
About 900 o'clock Saturday morn.
ing Miller suffered one of the most
disastrous fires in her history, wher
the Sutphen building burned to the
ground.
The building was occupied on the
first floor by the J. w. Johnson De
partment Store, and the top floor was
occupied by the Cross photograph
gallery. The remaining rooms of the
second story were rented as fats by
Mrs. Mildred Shaw and the Ole Thor
son family. Mr.. Sutphen also had an
office building on the same floor.
1t is general opinion that the fire
started in the photograph gallery, but
the origin is not known Some con-
lectures are that 1t started from de-
fective wiring. others that an over
heated stove was the cause of it, but
it is not known for certain.
Mr.. Johnson was east on a buying
trip when the fire occurred. This is
his second loss by fire in five years,
the other one occurring at Yayland.
Mr.. johnson estimates his loss of
stock and fixtures at $40, 900. with in
of $22, 900 covering the loss.
MIR. Cross had his stock insured for
$500, with a loss of $4,000 over the
insurance. Mrs. Shaw's loss was
about eight hundred dollars, and was
insured for only $500. The Thorson
family lost nothing but two stoves,
they having carried out all their be-
longings. T. p. Sutphen, owner of the
building, valued his building at about
$4,000 and carried $500 insurance on
it. This makes a fire loss OF 59,99e,
about half covered by insurance.
The fire was first discovered about
ten a. m, and at the time of discov-
cry was already burning beyond o n
troll. The roof of the building was
covered with tin, thus combining the
fire and preventing it from breaking
out through the roof. The fire de-
partment, with many volunteers figh-
tiers, was or the job, and kept a steady
stream of water on the burning build
ing. thus holding the flames greatly in
check. The st. Lawrence Fire Depart
ment also rendered great assistance
with chemicals. What little wind
there was, was favorable Blowing
from the northwest as it did, it threw
the heat onto the brick building next
to the burning structure, and kept it
away from the frame buildings to the
north of it, one of which, occupied by
S. ". Christ as a law Office, stood only
three feet from the burning building,
and was not even scorched. The cor
ner stone OF the Commercial Building
was slightly scorched from the in
tense heat. The heat also melted some
telephone cables, Gripping the lines
in the northwest part of town, and
putting many phones out of service.
This was the first real loss Miller
has had by fire. The building was n
of the best looking frame buildings
of the city.
Too much praise cannot be given to
the fire fighters, both regular and
who for three strenuous
hours fought and confined the fire to
the one building, and protected the
adjoining ones.
Chief Chas. Ross, of the fire depart
ment, is to be commended IN the man
ner in which he handled his crew of
volunteer fire fighters, and in making
the best use out of the two streams of
water that were available.
A committee of ladies prepared cof-
fee and rolls for the fire fighters,
wal very much appreciated.