The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-01-08
'IDELICHTS OF
 COSTLY FIRE
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in the biting air, faces red from exposure. Those who ventured be- yond the borde, established by a c0rdon of pol''c were immediately thrust back by the officers. Others against the walls of near by buildings, stamping their feet, and swinging their arms to kim dle a s--~rl: of warmth.
 Long lines of hose cOiled throughout the downtown area, brought water to the devastated buildings. Some of them sprung leaks because of the chilling air, but were immediately replaced by others.
 The constant drip of water from the charred ruins of smash cd windows, broken beams, and hoses that sprayed liquid over Bank street, formed a hazardous surface of Ice on the pavement. Together with fragments of ice which had not entirely been re- moved from the snowfall of the weekend, the glassy underfoot- ing created a menace to both fire- men and spectators. On-lOokers were cautioned away, and in some areas sand was iberally spread over the ice.
 The collapse of the display win dow in the Beck shoe store came suddenly and without warning. Eight to ten firemen were man. ming . hose in the entrance to the establishment, playing stream of water on the interior. The intense heat, or the breaking of the wood framework which held the pane in position, caused a loud cracking sound. Fragments of glass showered down upon the firemen, breaking off in large tri- angular sections and plunging downward like Jagged swords. The men retreated before the new danger, hastily dragging the ser pentine length of hose along. Two of their number slipped and fell into the piled-up debris in the Beck doorway, but were helped to their feet and assisted to safety by their comrades.
 Traffic was at q standstill throughout the downtown area. and, in the early hours, for many more blocks beyond. Vehicles nov cd slowly, directed away from the scene of the disaster by special details of police. Protective signs blocked off entry to Bank street at the intersection of Grand street, and at strategic locations in the center. No automobile acci- dents arising from the congestion were reported.
 Among those distributing con- tainers and cups of coffee to the embattled firefighters was Miss Meta Heitman, daughter of the late Henry H. Heitman, former fire chief in this city. Also passing out the badly needed stimulants were Major Hugo Wiberg, local Salvation Army Adjutant; James Pronovost, a member of the ad- vertising department of The Dem Occat, and Moses Koizin, ass0ciat- cd with the Harvey Shops.
 Lieutenant Eugene Legge, as sistant Fire Marshal, performed a rescue act without parallel. AL bert Burns, manager of the Clay ton store, also badly damaged in the blaze, told the marshal that he had left a $100 bill on the counter of the jewelry establish ment. Braving the binding smoke and fumes, Lieutenant Legge en- tered the smoldering building, and returned with the forgotten cur rency. He said that he had found the bill on the counter where it had been left, untouched by the flames, disproving the ancient ad . age that you can't take it with you"
 Stores In the vicinity were af- fected variously by the confiagra- tion. Suggenheimer's, Inc, gen. er0usly used it's premises for dis tributing coffee, and in MichaePs jewelry store firemen cOngregated to gain moment respite from their exhausting work and the cold. Five and ten-cent stores on the block did thriving business on stockings hats and knitted hel- mets, purchased by Bank street merchants and by-standers.
 Mayor Vincent A. Scully, like New York's little flower" an in- veterate fire spectator, was at the scene. Also there, and assisting the firemen in their hazardous work was Fire Commissioner John M. Brodie. He was later joined by Mrs. Brodie who donned 8 pair of boots and valorously contributed her share to the task of stemming the blaze. Also a by-stander was Fire Chaplain Rev. Roger B. T Anderson, rector of Trinity Epis-