Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-06-02
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The Elks club, one of the largest
buildings in the city. is almost a
complete loss as the result of one
of the most destructive fires that
has ever occurred In the city.
Starting from an unknown origin,
flames gained great Roadway,
spreading from the southwest cor
ner to the center, before the alarm
could be turned in to the fire sta
ton.
With the arrival of the fire COM
panies several streams of water
played on the building. which soon
began to have their effect, but not
before the rooms at the southwest
end of the building had been al
most completely destroyed.
The Santa Fe fire company was
among the first to arrive on the
scene and did splendid work as did
the others. Capt. II. M. Peck of
the Santa Fe boys was in the down
town district when the alarm was
first sounded and Immediately
turned in the alarm to his own
company, who quickly responded.
With the use of their extension
ladder they were able to gain an
entrance to the third floor
and chop hole in the roof
through which they were able
to extinguish the fire on the
north side of the building. The
fire companies are to be highly
praised for the efficient work done
with the equipment they had at
hand.
While no one was able to esti-
mate the exact loss, it was thought
1t would reach a total of $3.50, 900,
which is exclusive of individual
losses of the thirty-five persons
who had rooms at the club. An in
surance of $4,000 was carried on
the building and furniture.
AS near as could be learned the
fire was discovered about $40
o'clock, but the flames were al
ready bursting through the roof
and windows of the southwest cor
ner rooms. With but one extension
ladder, which was furnished by the
Santa Fe fire department, the fire
men were able to do but little with
he flames. although very effective
work was done later from the roof
Of the armory.
The origin of the fire will prob
ibly never be known. At first it
vas thought it was probably start !
I'd from the gas torch of some of
he plumbers who were at work |
IN the club rooms that had been |
lnder construction for some time, |
his was later discredited, however,
~ William Schaefer. who has been |
lere for the past two years. and |
Who was the last of the plumbers
o leave the building. This was
ubstantiated also by the fact that
he plumbers quit work an hour
arlier than the carpenters. who
lain there was no signs of fire at
he time they left the building at
o'clock.
AS the alarm spread the streets
we're soon blocked with people,
many of whom rendered valuable
ssistance by helping to carry
rticles of furniture from the
ooms on the first, second and
bird floors. E. C. Hall. who is
recting the garage for the O'Con-
ell-Harringtoh Motor company,
cross the street from the club
ooms, despite the fact that he had
lst finished pouring concrete on
he floor. threw the doors of his
uilding open through which much
( the furni. was carried and
tored in the building.
Within an hour after the start
ng of the fire it was under control
nd plans were being formulated
Or rebuilding. While the building
'as burning and realizing that the
equipment of the fire
very little could be
aved. it was suggested that 800
lub be formed, while very few
the members could be reached
ne following signed up as soon as
ne matter was presented: NJ. X.
Vylder. ]. B. Herndon, H. O. +
trong, F. H. Strong, Roy McDon-
tcontinued on Page 80 j