OPERA HOUSE FIRE 1898

O.H. Garner’s insurance on stock has been adjusted at $… As about one-half the goods were got out before the water got into the store, this is considered a satisfactory settlement. The insurance valuators have not adjusted the loss on the building. If the walls are in good condition it is probable that the building will be rebuilt three storeys, but on not so pretentious a scale as before. The hall floor, which was sound after the fire, was broken through by the fall of the chimney, which blew down Saturday afternoon. Owing to the great height of the chimney extensive scaffolding had to be put up to get it down, and although work was started on the scaffold Thursday, it had to be abandoned during the high winds on Friday and Saturday on account of the danger to workmen.

A Crash-At five minutes to four o’clock on Saturday afternoon, the chimney on the west wall of the burned Orient Hall block fell inward with a terrific crash upon the second floor, the third floor having been burned out. The chimney had been swaying in the wind all day and its fall was not unexpected; in fact quite a few persons of leisure kept watching to see it go over. It crashed through the floor, breaking several of the heavy joints that supported the floor of the auditorium; and bulging the ceiling several feet below. The chimney on the east wall wobbles also badly when the wind blows, and should be taken down or secured. Were it to fall, it might do serious damage and possibly cause loss of life. The town authorities neglected their plain duty that they did not cause both these chimneys to be taken down immediately after the fire.

Welland Tribune

24 June 1898

*Note: Due to the fire, there was no paper printed 22-23 June 1898

MR. GARNER’S THANKS

To the Editor of the Tribune:

DEAR SIR,- May I request enough of your space to thank the citizens of Welland for their untiring efforts to prevent the loss of property at Wednesday’s fire and for their subsequent kindness. To the members of the fire brigade I owe a particular debt for their work and sacrifice-a debt more easily felt that paid. It is a source of great gratification to me that in spite of the many risks that were run and dangers incurred no one’s goodheartedness brought him serious injury. My formal expression of thanks must seem cold and inadequate; but my gratitude is none the less deep and genuine. While my financial loss will, of course, prove very severe, the uniform kindness and sympathy shown will long remain a very pleasant memory.

Sincerely yours,

O.H. Garner

Welland Tribune

24 June 1898

OPERA HALL BLOCK TO BE REBUILT-

             The Insurance upon Orient hall block has been adjusted, the whole amount of policy, $6,000, being allowed, which will not replace the building as it was before. The building, however, will be rebuilt three stories, the interior and accommodations substantially as before, but probably not so expensive a top front. Plans are being designed for the rebuilding, which will go on at once. In the meantime, Mr. Garner is selling off his stock at fire sale price, as see announcement in advertising column.

Welland Tribune

28 June 1898