THE FIRE FIEND

Terrible Conflagration on Wednesday Morning

THE QUEEN’S HOTEL LEVELLED TO THE GROUND

Sauter’s Furniture Warerooms and the Store adjoining also Destroyed

WHALLEY’S STORE HAS A NARROW ESCAPE

LOSS ESTIMATED AT $7,000

             Clang! clang! clang! rang out the fire bells early Wednesday morning, just about the time our good people were getting ready to get up for the labors of the day. No need to ask where the fire was, for it had gained such headway before the alarm sounded that Main street was illuminated. On hurrying to the scene of conflagration, it was found that Early’s Queen’s Hotel was one mass of flames from floor to roof. The firemen were speedily on hand, and deserve the greatest credit for the manner in which they battled with the devouring element. But the fire had too great a start for ought to be done towards saving the hotel, and their attention was given to saving the adjoining premises. In a very few minutes the frame store owned and occupied by Mr. Sauter took fire, and from there wended its way to the adjoining vacant frame building owned by Mr. Lock. Bravely the firemen worked, and nobly the citizens lent their aid, but it was of no avail to save either building. Eddie Sauter and his helpers quickly emptied the store of its contents, everyone willing to lend a helping hand, and Mr. Sauter’s goods were nearly all removed in safety. On the east side of the hotel it was discovered that the back part of Whalley’s clothing store had taken fire, and that the roof was on fire in several places. The hose at work in the rear was quickly turned on this but not before the frame part of the building was completely gutted. The fire on the roof was got under control by the pail brigade. Hoover’s Dexter House also received a scorching, the roof catching fire, but it was quickly quelched. Mr. Whalley lost considerable of his household goods, besides a quantity of ordered clothing, the workshop being situated in the frame part of the building.

             How the fire originated is a mystery, and will probably never be solved. Several of the guests were up, and breakfast had been got ready for those who went to work early. One theory is that the fire caught in the floor, where the pipe went through from the front sitting room to the parlor overhead, and this seems the most likely, as it was here the fire was first noticed. Mr. Early himself was the first to discover the fire. He was sleeping in the room where the fire was supposed to have originated, and was awakened by the smoke, being nearly smothered by it. It quickly spread to the bedrooms adjoining, and thence upward to the third floor. Several pails of water were thrown on it but it was of no use, and the inmates turned their attention to saving what they could. Several of the guests lost most of their clothing, while others were more fortunate and secured their entire outfit. Mrs. Henning escaped in her robe de nuit, and besides losing her clothing lost a quantity of jewelry. All the furniture, bedding, a valuable piano, the contents of the bar &c., were a total loss. The fire was blazing through the roof before the alarm rang out.

             Considering difficulty of getting water, having to chop through the ice to get it, we think the firemen made very good time, and when they did get there, their efforts could not be surpassed. Many were loud in their expressions that more attention should have been paid to Whalley’s store, but Captain Auger, as the sequel showed, evidently understood his business, and we think the fire was kept within as close limits as was possible, considering the inflammable material on all sides, and the barns &c., in the rear. Had it not been for the metallic shingled roof of the new barn, Mr. Early would likely have had that added to his already heavy loss.

             The heat was intense, but luckily no wind was blowing at the time, or there is no telling where the fire would have stopped.

THE LOSSES

             Mr. Earley’s loss is estimated at about $5,000 on which he had an insurance of $1,500 on the building, in the Caledonian Insurance Co., and $800 on the furniture, in the Citizens.

             Mr. Sauter’s loss in the neighborhood of $1,200, towards this he has an insurance of $700 on stock and $300 on building, in the Waterloo Mutual. Although most of his furniture was saved, he lost a number of valuable caskets, trimmings &c., besides the tools used in the workroom.

             Mr. Lock’s premises were valued at about $700, insured for $400 in the Northern.

             Mr. Hannah, of Chippawa, who owns Whalley’s store, will probably be out $350 in damage to store; no insurance.

             Mr. Whalley carried an insurance of $1,000 on his stock and $300 on furniture, which will probably make him come out even.

NOTES

             The thanks of firemen and other workers are due Mr. Lock and Mr. Sauter and their families, for kindly furnishing pails of coffee and lunch, during the fire.

             The base ball club lost most of their kit. Tom McPherson took charge of it, after the recent ball, and kept it in his room. In his hurry to get out, he forgot it, and on going back for the third time was unable to enter his room owing to the heat and dense smoke. Pad, mask, bats &c., are all burned up.

             Mr. Early desires to return thanks to the firemen for their brave attempt to save his property, and to the citizens and friends for many kindnesses since extended.

Welland Telegraph

27 January 1888

Fire: 25 January 1888

Ready for Business Again

             Mr. E.A. Sauter, with his characteristic energy, is already settled in the store formerly occupied by Mr. Chambers, in Rose’s Block. An idea of work done at fire can be had by a look in on Mr. S. and seeing the immense stock of furniture he has on hand. What goods were damaged will be revarnished and will be offered for sale at reduced prices. In conversation with Mr. Sauter, he expressed his intention of rebuilding at once,-just s soon as the insurances are adjusted. Success to such men.

             Mrs. F. Humphries, of Brantford, sister of Mr. Early, arrived in town Wednesday evening, in answer to a telegram that his hotel was burned. The shock so overcame her and she has been quite ill since.

Welland Telegraph

27 January 1888