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DISASTROUS FIRE – TREMONT HOTEL
[Welland Tribune, 18 December 1872]
Misfortunes, it is said, seldom comes singly, and, in accordance with the time-worn proverb, we have again to record the visitation of our town by another serious conflagration. This time it is the Tremont House, a large frame hotel nearly new, situate on Main street, between the canals owned by Mr. Henry Minnis and occupied by Mr. Henry Wilkerson, that has become food for the flames. The conflagration took place yesterday, (Tuesday) commencing about 10 o’clock in the forenoon, the ignition taking place from the kitchen chimney, which is supposed to have been defective. The alarm was at once given and our townspeople responded nobly to the call but the fire having got a good start between the walls and over the ceilings before being discovered, were unable to save the building. Some of Mr. Wilkinson’s furniture and fixtures were got out, though mostly in a damaged condition. Morwood’s bakery, adjoining, was most unexpectedly saved by dint of hard, brave work. It was, at one time, however, thought impossible to save the building, and it was in consequence completely gutted and had the street front taken out. The total loss will probably be about $4,000-$3,500 for the Tremont and contents, and $400 damage to the bakery and Morwood’s stock. The hotel building was insured for $2,000 and Mr. Wilkinson’s furniture for $1,000. We have been unable to ascertain whether the bakery was insured or not. The $1,000 insurance was in the AEtna Company. Mr. Goodwillie’s shop, and buildings south of the hotel were saved with much difficulty. We regret to have it to say that some of the property was rescued from the flames but to fall into the hands of thieves; we hope, however, that the wretches who were mean enough to steal under the circumstances will be caught and punished as severely as the law will warrant. Before ending our report we must not omit to pay a tribute to those who so nobly showed their bravery and good will by endangering their limbs and lives in fighting the flames. We don’t believe better work was ever done in this respect with the inadequate appliances at hand.
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