Results for ‘Fires’
Rescued by S. Lambert-A Arkins’ Store and Dwelling with all Contents a Complete Loss and No Insurance-S. Lambert’s House Damaged
A fire occurred shortly after six o’clock last evening which caused a loss of between $4,000 and $5,000 and in which Mrs. A. Arkins and her two children, a little girl and a baby had a thrilling experience.
The building was owned and occupied by A. Arkins. On the first floor he conducted a furniture and upholstering business, and he resided on the second floor.
Mr. Arkins was away working at the time, and about six o’clock, Mrs. Arkins, who was upstairs with the children, went down to the store and lighted a coal oil lamp which she left on a counter at the foot of the stairs. Some time afterward the little girl noticed the floor was hot and asked where the smoke was coming from. Opening the door to stair door leading to the stair below Mrs. Arkins saw it was a mass of flames, which rapidly shot up the stairs cutting off the only avenue of escape. With her two children, she rushed to the small back balcony. Here there was a drop of fifteen feet, and she screamed for help.
Sam Lambert heard her cries and rushed to her assistance. There was no way of getting up to the balcony except to climb the posts which supported it. This he did and securing, first, the baby, he slid down the post with the helpless little one. Next he climbed up and brought the girl down, and a third time he performed the feat, assisting Mrs. Arkins to climb down the post. Mr. Lambert’s feat was a remarkable one. Very few could have succeeded in climbing the fifteen feet up the post to the balcony. The three persons would have had to jump from the verandah or burn to death in a very few minutes had he not so promptly and bravely rescued them. Mrs. Arkins fainted when the danger was past.
By this time the alarm had been given, but when the firemen succeeded in getting the water turned on the whole building, upstairs and down, was a huge bonfire. The interior of the building was completely gutted and not an article of the contents was saved, the furniture stock and household goods being wholly lost. In fact every earthly possession of the Arkins family was entirely destroyed except the clothes they were wearing. Their loss will be fully $4000 with not a dollar of insurance. Their situation is a most deplorable and distressing one.
The next building, a house occupied by Andrew Jones, and owned by S. Lambert, stood only two or three feet away. It was damaged to the extent of several hundred dollars and only the fact that both buildings were metal sheeted saved it from almost total loss. Mr. Jones had no insurance on his furniture and it was removed from the building.
Just what caused the fire is not known. The lamp did not explode but Mrs. Arkins snuffed the coal oil lamp in lighting it and may have allowed a spark to drop.
People’s Press
1 October 1912
Fire: 30 September 1912
Struck by Lightning
Loss over $15,000
Fire, started by lightning, completely destroyed the large frame mill known latterly as “Brown’s Mills,” on the raceway at Welland, last Friday morning about 4:30 o’clock. The mill, which was owned by Robert Cooper, had not been in operation for some time past, but was used by him as a stable and store room. The teamster, Archie Hannigan, was at the mill at the time, giving the horses their morning feed, and was prostrated, but recovered in time to get out the team of heavy horses, and the driving horses, the only other team in the barn were got out by Robert Edington and George Dooley, a neighbor. Other contents of the mill, consisting of valuable machinery, hay, oats, salt, straw, fertilizer, &c., were burned. The loss is estimated at between $15,000 and $20,000, on which there was an insurance of $1500 in the London Mutual.
The building was the largest and most substantial frame structure in town, and burned fast and fiercely, the flames pouring out of the roof a few minutes after the building was struck. The crash of the stroke was so great that the whole neighborhood was aroused, and the firemen, helped by the rain, succeeded in saving adjacent buildings, in which, however, the glass was broken by the intense heat. Cinders were carried s far away as the Y.M.C.A. grounds, fully half-a-mile, and in all probability other fires would have been started, only that the roofs were all soaking wet by the heavy rains that had fallen just before.
The burned mills, originally known as the Aqueduct Mills, were built by late Moses Cook of St. Catharines, about the year 1850, over 60 years ago. Its original site was on the west bank of the OLD canal, (the grandfather of the present canal) a little north of the spot now occupied by Clemo’s barber shop. Mr. Cook sold to Betts & Dusenbark, pioneer residents of Welland, and they sold to the late David Cooper, previously a resident of Marshville. Mr. Cooper operated the mill, doing the principal gristing business in this section, until, on the second enlargement of the canal (1872-76) when the government purchased the mill, the site being required for the then new aqueduct-the one now in use. Government sold the building (to be moved) to late Brown Bros., who moved it to the site on Dennistoun street where it stood till it made a 24th of May bonfire last Friday morning.
Previous to its purchase by Brown Bros. the mill, like all mills of the date of its erection, was a “stone” mill, using stones for grinding. After its removal Brown Bros. equipped it with the latest roller processes, and operated it for some years, eventually selling it to Mr. Robert Cooper, who continued its owner until the end of the chapter.
People’s Press
28 May 1912
Fire: 24 May 1912
Mr. A.E. White’s Building Partially Burned
The New Water Works System Thoroughly Tested by an Actual Fire
The Fire under Perfect Control in Six Minutes after the Alarm was Given
The first fire since the completion of the Welland new Water Works system, occurred on Tuesday night last, shortly after 12 o’clock, in the building owned by Mr. A.E. White, on West Main street, next the Hobson block and adjoining the TELEGRAPH office. The flames were issuing from the roof, towering majestically towards the sky, lighting up the whole neighborhood, and in a few moments more would have extended to adjoining buildings, but in an almost incredibly short space of time, after the hose was attached to the hydrants, they were completely squelched out. Hose Cart No 2, kept in Mr. Jeffrey’s shop, was first on the scene, and the hose was attached to the hydrant opposite Hobson’s block. In another minute or so, the hose cart from the east side of the canal came bounding along, and the hose from this cart attached to the hydrant on Bald street. Two powerful streams of water were thus brought into requisition, and the fire was under control directly the water was applied upon the burning building. There was however some difficulty in getting at the fire, as it was issuing from the south east corner, next the wall of the Hobson block, and the front being what is called a “false front” and as there are a lot of out buildings at the rear, it was anything but an easy job to get the streams directly in the locality of the fire. The task was accomplished however, and the fire soon extinguished.
The building is a frame one, and the upper flat was occupied by Mr. White as a residence. The lower flat is divided into two stores, one of which is kept as a butcher shop, by Messrs. Rossette, and the other was formerly a baker’s shop but at present unoccupied. It was from the chimney leading from the butcher’s shop that the fire originated. It was discovered by Mr. C. Clark who was out for the doctor, and who saw the flames issuing through the roof. This was about ten minutes past twelve o’clock. He at once aroused Mr. White who had retired but a short time before. The alarm was given, and the brigade was soon on hand, and had both streams playing on the burning building, estimated at from 4 to 6 minutes, after the alarm was sounded. The rooms which were on fire were used only for store rooms. Most of the furniture and wearing apparel were taken into the upper flat of Mr. Geo. Stalker’s brick block, which is also used as a residence by Mr. White. The loss on his furniture will be light, but the loss on the building will amount to $400 which is covered by insurance. Messrs. Rossette lost some meat in its removal but the amount was small. Mr. White will not likely repair the building, as it is his present intention to pull it down and rebuild.
NOTES
The firemen handled the fire well considering they have had but little experience under the present system.
A fire alarm is needed to complete our present excellent fire system.
Fortunately the night was calm otherwise the fire would have extended to the adjoining buildings.
There was 100 pounds of pressure on during the time of the fire.
Mr. Gross, the superintendent, was at his post in the pump house, just 8 minutes after the alarm was given, and set the big pump in motion, to assist the small one which was working like a charm.
The building was deluged with water in a few minutes, and such was the quantity thrown, that it kept running away from the palace, nearly all the next day.
No fire in Welland was ever drowned out so thoroughly, and in so short a space of time, as was this one.
Welland Telegraph Fire: 16 January 1889
18 January 1889
DISASTROUS FIRE
Mr. Adam VanWyck’s Sash, Shingle and Planing Factory, situate on the north side of the Welland River, unfortunately caught fire on Saturday last, at noon, and with its contents, was totally destroyed. Besides the building itself, a steam engine, a large lot of machinery, about twenty thousand feet of lumber, a large lot of window frames &c., manufactured and awaiting delivery, were destroyed. Mr. VanWyck’s books and the tools of the workmen were also destroyed, so rapid was the progress of the flames. The fire was occasioned by fire blowing out of the stove door, igniting the shavings on the floor and wrapping the room in flames almost instantaneously. There were men in the building at the time, and some of them went to the canal-a few feet off-for water, but when they returned, the room could not be entered. The only valuable piece of machinery was a planing machine valued at $650. Amongst the stuff burned was a lot of window sash &c., for Hoover’s hotel, and a quantity of material for Bridges’ new store. The total loss will foot up to between $4000 and $5000, on which there was no insurance. We believe it is Mr. Van Wyck’s intention to rebuild immediately and we are sure our citizens will readily yield him their aid. By doing so they will benefit themselves as well as Mr. VanWyck, for his establishment was one of the greatest advantages the town possessed. Mr. V. having lost his books is desirous of having an immediate settlement with those with whom he has been dealing, and we trust his request, made known by advertisement elsewhere in this paper, will meet with a hearty response, and that ere three months shall elapse his machinery will again be up and running to its greatest capacity.
Welland Tribune
4 December 1872
Fire: 30 November 1872
ANOTHER FIRE
We are sorry to announce the loss by fire of the Sash Factory of Mr. Adam VanWyck, which was destroyed on Saturday last. The fire was first discovered about 12:30 p.m. while the men were away at dinner, and so quickly did the flames spread that it was found impossible to save anything out of the building, and in a short time it was a mass of smouldering ruins. The lumber of which there was a considerable quantity, was almost all saved, but about a thousand dollars worth of prepared lumber inside is a total loss. Mr. VanWyck’s loss by the fire is about $5000 and his books in which was about $2000 of accounts were burnt up as well. There was no insurance, so Mr. VanWyck has to bear the loss alone.
Welland Telegraph
5 December 1872
Mr. VanWyck’s Disaster
In another place we give an account of the severe loss sustained by Mr. VanWyck by the destruction of his sash factory by fire on Saturday. To say we regret it is merely echoing the sentiments of all Mr. V’s townsmen, and those in the country round about Welland, where he is well and favorably known. Commencing in this town but a few years ago, he had built up a good business, and established for himself an excellent reputation as a fair dealing honest tradesman. He had succeeded in nearly overcoming the difficulties consequent on the extension of his business, and expected inside of another year, to be considerably more than even with the world, but by this fire, the accumulations of years of careful work were destroyed in an hour or two, and himself thrown back years on the road to competence. The loss to the town by this calamity is not inconsiderable, as much work, that would otherwise be sent here, will now have to go to St. Catharines or some other town. It is Mr. VanWyck’s intention to rebuild if his creditors will give him time, and we think that his many friends should make their sympathies take a practical turn, and give aid to a man who is certainly richly deserving of assistance, and unless we have much mistaken the feelings of everyone whom we have heard refer to the matter, any persons who would take the matter in hand, would find a response which would show that the people can appreciate honest enterprise in one of themselves. We understand that steps have been taken by some parties to assist Mr. VanWyck in rebuilding, and it is to be hoped that the public will cheerfully aid in the work, and that those who are owing him will make it their business to aid by paying him what is due.
Welland Telegraph
5 December 1872
TIMBER
Mr. A.K. VanWyck is this week in receipt of 140,000 feet of the best seasoned pine lumber from Port Ryerse, per schooner “Ellen Theresa.” Talk about this being a “wooden country!” Why, we hav’nt wood enough for own manufacturers; we are compelled to import.
People’s Press
30 May 1872
Mr. VanWyck received another schooner-load of lumber on Monday. His business must be very extensive to occasion the use of so much material. One such manufacturer does more to benefit a town than a half-a-dozen “middlemen” or traders who simply exchange but neither produce nor manufacture.
Welland Tribune
3 July 1872
Mr. VanWyck is beginning to rebuild his factory.
Welland Telegraph
5 March 1873
IMPROVEMENTS
The west side of the Canal seems to be taking the lead in the building line already. Mr. A.K. VanWyck’s sash factory in now on the way and will be pushed forward rapidly. Mr. S .E. Hopkins’ barn is raised, and preparations are being made for the brick dwelling house on the same lot. Marcus Vanderburgh is now cutting stone for the sills to be used on Mr. Morwood’s brick block.
Welland Telegraph
13 March 1873
A RAISING
The frame of Mr. A. K. Van Wyck’s Sash Factory is nearly ready to raise. At least a horse in his employ, owned and driven by “John”-thought so when a board slipped from a load of lumber which was being conveyed to the building site by said horse, touched his “behint.” A raising took place just then, and such a raising. Oh! If h “eels” didn’t fly, “than we don’t know nothing.”
Welland Telegraph
27 March 1873
The Salvation Army Lose All Their Worldly Goods
No Insurance on Building or Contents
For a second time within a week the cry of “Fire” rang through the streets, about 12:45 Sunday morning. Ward 3 was again the scene of destruction, and the fire was but a few rods from that of the previous Tuesday night. The fire started in the north-east corner of Mr. Morwood’s large wooden building; corner of Frazer and Bald streets and in five minutes the eastern half of the barracks was a sheet of flame. The west side hose carriage was quickly on the ground and one, two, and finally three streams were playing upon the conflagration. Mr. Berger’s music store and Mr. Fred White’s house were in imminent danger up to this moment, but the powerful streams effectively prevented any spreading of the fire. The wind was favorable. Had it blown from the prevailing quarter (south-west), the waterworks would have been tested to their utmost to have prevented a fearful conflagration.
The cry of fire was echoed on both sides of the canal, but the west-siders “got there” so quickly that the first stream was playing upon the fire before the town bell rang out the alarm-all of which proves the desirability of a better system of fire alarm.
On the upper floor of the barracks were the sleeping apartments of Captain Crosby and Cadet Oder of the local army corps, (two ladies) and they had a close call from a fearful death. Mrs. Wm. Berger was the first to discover the fire, being awakened by the crackling noise. Aware that the girls were in the building, Mr. Berger at once ran, broke in the corner door, which had been nailed up for the winter, and awoke the girls, who escaped through the broken door, exit through the barracks auditorium being already cut off by the fast advancing flames. The young women had only time to escape in their night clothes, the only other wearing apparel recovered being a pair and a half of stockings. Friends supplied them temporarily with clothing, and on Monday our people subscribed to a fund to replace their private effects.
The foregoing are the facts, and although the young women were not dragged out by Mr. Berger in an insensible condition as reported in an imaginative St. Catharines paper, they do without doubt owe their lives to the prompt and vigorous action of that gentleman.
The army estimate their loss at something over $200-which includes seats, stoves, bedding, carpets the big drum, &c., upon which there is no insurance. It is not probable that the building will be re-erected at present.
This is the third fire in this block this winter, and we must hope for a long respite before another alarm is sounded if we are to keep our well won reputation of being a “lucky town” in the matter of fires.
The origin of the fire is unknown. Ashes, we believe, were kept near the spot where the fire started, and many think this accounts for it. The occupants, however, stoutly affirm that no ashes had been put there recently, and that none had ever been there that were not thoroughly cold. Those of the army with whom we have spoken believe the place was set on fire, the rumored results of army troubles or of proceedings against those who have at times past annoyed the army.
Welland Tribune
25 January 1889
Fire: 20 January 1889
ANOTHER BLAZE
The Barracks Destroyed
Two Salvation Lasses Barely Escape With Their Lives
On the corner of Fraser and Bald streets there has stood for years a familiar landmark, in the shape of a large wooden building. It was originally built, we believe, by the Messrs. White for a carriage shop. After their removal from it, to more commodious quarters, it became a tenement building, as many as four families sometimes living in it. It has for a few years back been owned by Mr. R. Morwood, and for the last year or two the Salvation Army have made it their head quarters. The ground floor was used for Army meetings, and the second storey was the dwelling place of the officers in charge. The present officers are Capt. Crosby and Lieut. Oder, two ladies.
At about one o’clock on Sunday morning, these ladies were awakened by clouds of smoke. When they realized that the building was on fire, and their consequent terrible position, they made frantic efforts to escape. Their cries were heard by neighbors who discovered the fire at about the same time. The only avenue of escape for the inmates of the burning building was through a door that had been nailed up from the inside. This door was broken open by Mr. Berger, and the ladies rescued. The hose was attached and the fire kept from spreading to adjacent buildings.
This second test of the waterworks confirmed the good opinion formed of their efficiency at the fire last week. The whole building was a mass of flames when the water was turned on, but so effectively did the deluge of water drown out the fire, that a portion of the frame still remains standing. The contents of the building were all consumed. They included furniture, musical instruments, wearing apparel &c. There was no insurance on the building, Army property being considered too hazardous by underwriters. The total loss is estimated at about $800.
The streams of water were turned on the fire several minutes before the fire bell rang.
Mrs. W. Berger was first to discover the fire. She saw the building in flames from her bedroom window. She awoke her husband who immediately ran out, kicked open the door of the barracks and rescued the girls.
Welland Telegraph
25 January 1889
On Wednesday morning, about ten minutes past twelve, the fire-bell pealed the alarm that a fire had broken out in the butcher shop of Messrs. Rosette Brothers, West Main street, the property of Mr. A. E. White. Quickly the hose was attached to the waterworks hydrant, and such a deluge of water was projected on the burning roof that in half a minute not a vestige of flame that could be got at was to be seen, and the fire smoldering within a partition was extinguished the moment is could be reached. Owing to the midnight hour the fire got considerable headway before the water could be applied, and fire and water did damage to building, and furniture of Mr. White to amount of between $500 and $600; the building is insured for $800; no insurance on furniture. Rosette Bros., butchers, and L.V. Garner, who had some bedding stored below, are also losers, but not largely. The fire affords a signal proof, if proof were wanted, of the wisdom of the town in putting in waterworks, of the efficiency of the works, and of the firemen, who always “get there.” So much water was thrown off the building that the water lay on the floor of the upper story of the building nine inches deep, until the stove-pipe was taken out and the water poured below in a stream the size of the pipe-hole.
Welland Tribune
18 January 1889
Fire: 16 January 1889
This Group and Residence Reduced to Ashes by Fire Which had Secured big Headway Before Alarm was Given
LOSS IS $13000-CAUSE IS UNKNOWN
About 3:30 Friday morning, Wellanders witnessed one of the most spectacular fires in the history of the town, a blaze which in a short space of time reduced to smoldering ashes the large rink owned by Sam L. Lambert and the poultry hall, main exhibition hall and secretary’s and ticket offices at the fair grounds. A residence and outbuildings were also destroyed. The roller skating season had closed in the rink the night before and the building was to have been used by the Welland Agricultural society as its main exhibition building this year, a fine floor having been laid for the rollers. The fire, therefore wipes out everything in the line of an exhibition building for the fair. These buildings cover a wide area and as they were all burning fiercely at practically the same time it made a thrilling sight. In fact the place spread still further running along the dry grass and trees adding to the wildness of the scene.
The blaze had gained great headway before the alarm was given and though the firemen responded promptly they found the whole rink a blazing furnace and the poultry hall close to it well in the grip of the flames when they reached the scene. All the buildings were of frame construction, situated close together and the blaze rapidly spread to every building in the group. When the fire was burned out a small part of the residence facing Dennistoun street, owned by Morwood Estate and occupied by Mrs. Shaw, was left standing, though this is practically a total loss.
The fire was, in fact, beyond control before the firemen arrived and had the conditions been less favorable it might have spread still further. There was little wind and recent rains of late had made the shingle roofs of surrounding property less inflammable. The houses on the north side of Bald street and east side of Dennistoun street were in hot quarters, being showered with burning embers and scorched by the heat. Leaves on the trees on the north side of Bald street were burned black by the heat. Further from the scene of the fire on Bald street and even as far as Main street, property owners had a busy time extinguishing with garden hose burning embers as they fell on the roofs. The houses directly facing the fire were wet down by the fire hose, but farther away residents were instructed by the firemen to take care of their own roofs. An enormous crowd turned out to see the fire.
The cause of the fire and the place where it started are unknown. The majority of those who arrived first on the scene were positive that it must have started in the rink, while others claimed it originated in the poultry hall in the fair grounds.
Mrs. Shaw’s house was on fire when she was awakened by one of the early arrivals at the fire. Her household goods were largely lost in the fire or damaged in removing them and she also had one hundred chickens burned, on none of which she had any insurance. The residence she occupied was owned by the Morwood Estate. It is a small frame house and the loss is partly covered by insurance.
The rink was built by Mr. Lambert four years ago. It was used for ice skating for four years and this season a floor was laid for roller skating. S. Mason operated it as a roller rink for two months. Mr. Lambert estimated his loss at from $7000 to $8000, with $4000 insurance. He has not come to any decision about rebuilding.
The losses of the Agricultural society are as follows:-
Exhibition hall, loss $3000, insurance $1000
Poultry hall, loss $900, insurance $500
Office, loss $200, no insurance
R. Cooper, chairman of the society stated to the Press that arrangements for rebuilding would be made at once and that the society would be in shape for the fair this year.
A meeting of the Welland County Agricultural society has been called for this afternoon at 3 o’clock in the court house to discuss plans for rebuilding.
People’s Press
3 August 1915
Fire: 30 July 1915
A BIG BLAZE
HEAVY LOSSES
Narrow Escape of Orient Hall and Other Large Buildings
On Wednesday morning at 6.25 o’clock the town tocsin sounded the alarm of fire. A glance showed the scene of conflagration to be the Queen’s hotel, a large three-storey frame building on the south side of East Main street, owned and occupied by Mr. Wm. Early, and in a most
DANGEROUS SECTION.
Our town bell is so low toned that its cadences are more apt to put one asleep than arouse attention, but nevertheless alert firemen and others speedily rallied, but some precious minutes’ delay was occasioned by cutting a hole through the ice to get water. The hotel, from the nature of its material and construction
WAS DOOMED
beyond hope the moment the flames got headway. To the east of it was Whalley’s clothing establishment, a two-storey brick block, with a frame addition to the rear. East of Whalley’s is the Dexter House, three-storey brick. West of the burned hotel first stood Sauter’s furniture shop, then an unoccupied shop owned by Mr. Lock, both frame buildings, and west of them Lock’s brick store and Orient block. But the most dangerous position was in the rear, where 20 feet from the hotel stands its barn, a fine large new frame building, but fortunately lined with sheet iron plates. Eastward of the barn were the Dexter House and Mansion House barns; and westward were Sauter’s sheds, planing mill &c., all close together. The fire, therefore, was in the centre of a space almost crowded with highly inflammable structures. Happily it was almost a dead calm at the time and the roofs were covered with snow. It is only due to these conditions, coupled with the untiring exertions of the firemen and others, that a
WHOLESALE CALAMITY
was avoided. About half-an-hour after the fire started things looked blue metaphorically, but literally
DECIDEDLY LURID
There had been a delay in getting at the water. Upon starting, one section of hose gave way, and had to be replaced. The fire by this time had obtained such headway and the buildings were so inflammable that the water thrown on the flames made but little impression at first. The Queen’s was one mass of seething flames, a veritable furnace. Sauter’s shop was on fire. The addition to the rear of Whalley’s was burning, and the roof of Whalley’s brick and the Dexter House were both on fire. The blaze of the burning hotel was so great that it forbad close approach and scattered cinders quarter of a mile around, although there was no perceptible wind. The roof of Orient block, which we were surprised to learn is of shingles, was covered with coals, only the
COATING OF SNOW
saving the building, its height and the position and slant of the roof rendering it impossible to fight the fire had it once got a foothold there. The buildings on the north side of Main street were also in danger. This was the situation at its worst, and black enough it was. But soon the tremendous amount of water thrown by the two steady streams on the fires began to take effect. The engine never made a skip. One of the branches was taken to the rear, succeeding after a terribly
HOT FIGHT
in saving the barn. But so great was the heat that the glass in the barn window broke out, and Capt. Anger informs us that the solder melted and one sheet of the iron dropped off. But with men in the barn with pails and the hose playing on its front and roof, the barn was saved, and the terrible consequences of its destruction avoided. The other branch of hose was directed to preventing the fire spreading westward, and to keeping down the blaze of the hotel. What little wind there was, however, blew toward the west, and Sauter’s shop was literally
DEVELOPED IN FLAMES
of the large hotel alongside. The hotel and Sauter’s were completely destroyed. The next building westward, Lock’s unoccupied shop, caught fire and partly torn down and partly burned, is an almost worthless wreck. The fire, however, was stopped here in this direction. Owing to the greater necessity for the services of the firemen elsewhere, the brick building occupied by Whalley and the Dexter, were left to fight the flames comparatively unaided and noble was the work done by those interested and other volunteer assistants. The cornice of the Dexter was burned off, but the flames were stopped there by smothering out the fire with wet blankets. Whalley had a hotter place, with the burning hotel at one side and the burning frame addition to the rear. But the little brick stood the siege well. Its cornice was also burned off, and fire got under the felt of the roof, taking some hours to chop it out and extinguish it, but it was finally done. Happily Mr. Whalley’s store goods were not removed and escaped injury.
ORIGIN OF THE FIRE
Mr. Early’s hotel was mainly heated by a furnace in the cellar; but there was a small box stove in the bar, used part of the time. It was the custom to make a fire in the mornings to warm up, and dry the floor after scrubbing. Mr. Early, who sleeps in the room above, woke up, and noticed that a very hot fire had been made on the drum, being red with the heat. He was about to call below to close the draft of the stove when he heard that done. This was about six o’clock. He then went to sleep and was wakened a few minutes later nearly choked by the smoke. He ran down, got a pail of water, and came back with it, but although the rooms were full of smoke, and the fire could be heard crackling, it could not be seen or got at. A moment later and the flames broke out at the rear of the house, and in a few moments more the whole house was in flames. The fire evidently traveled rapidly along between the joist, which lay north and south, kept from breaking into the rooms by the flooring and carpets, until it reached the back of the house, when it broke out through the weatherboards. Another minute and the fire followed the smoke up through the floors. The room at rear and directly over the line of fire was occupied by Mr. Hanning, agent for Massey Mfg. Co., and his wife, who had not yet risen from bed. They were nearly suffocated by the smoke, and forced by the leaping flames to jump from bed and run into the Dexter house for refuge. They lost everything but their night clothing.
THE LOSSES
Mr. Early’s hotel was mostly new, haying been added to until the original structure formed a small part of the premises. Everything was in A 1 condition. Mr. Early, who was a very tasty man, was always and fixing up. His latest improvement last fall was to make a cellar under the house and put in a furnace for heating purposes. The amount of his goods saved from the fire was but trifling. His loss is about $5,000. Insured for $1,500 (in the Caledonian Co.) on building; $800 (in Citizens) on contents, and $100 on piano-which was burned.
MR. SAUTER
Lost his building, a frame in good condition, insured for $500 in Citizens, and about forty coffins, and furniture material. His finished furniture was mostly got out-some of it damaged. Stock insured for $500 in the Citizens. Mr. Sauter will be a loser over the insurance.
MR. LOCK’S
Unoccupied store, which is now about worthless, was insured for $400 in the Northern. It was a frame building similar to Mr. Sauter’s, old but solid and serviceable.
MR. WHALLEY
Had his furniture partly moved out and damaged by water. The canned fruit and contents of pantry were destroyed. The contents of the tailor workshop were also destroyed. Loss unknown; perhaps $300. Partly insured.
MR. HANNA
Of Chippawa, owner of the building occupied by Mr. Whalley, will be a loser to the extent of probably $300 by the burning of the frame addition and damage to roof of brick building. No insurance.
THE LESSON
Of the fire is the utter folly of building a mass of wooden buildings together, as this part of the town was composed. Had there been much wind and the roofs been dry, half the business part of the town would have been destroyed, and nothing we have at present could have prevented. The saving of the adjoining brick buildings, within three feet of the burned hotel, and of the plated barn in the rear, conveys a lesson that should not be disregarded. Experience, however, has shown that people will build wooden buildings anywhere and run the risk. It can only be prevented by the passage of a fire limits by-law, and unless such a measure is passed and enforced a terrible devastation by fire will come sooner or later.
IN PROSPECT
Messrs. Early and Sauter intend to rebuild, and Mr. Lock will probably do so. We understand the supply of brick in town is exhausted, which is unfortunate, as the parties requiring the buildings as soon as possible, may be tempted to erect frame buildings. We hope not, however. Taking into account the saving in insurance in the course of time brick is the cheaper as well as the safer.
HOPES
One excited occupant of the Queen’s carefully surveyed his wardrobe after reaching the street, and then went to work saving what he could for others. Upon closer scrutiny and when the fire was almost extinguished, he found that one foot was bootless. It is fair to say that he was excited.
That was a thoughtful act of those citizens who furnished hot coffee and lunch to the workers, many of whom stood firmly at their posts with but scanty clothing hurriedly donned.
The vacant store of Mr. Lock’s, which was almost completely destroyed, would have been tenanted forty-eight hours later.
We are informed that the weak state of the hose would not permit the engine to give the force that it is capable of giving. This should be remedied.
If the wind and the weather had not been “just so,” Welland would have been a fearful sufferer-is what everybody says.
Capt. Anger and the firemen are to be congratulated on the brave and effective work done. Capt. Anger’s position was all the more onerous owing to the absence from town of Mr. Alvin Beatty, chief of the fire department.
Mr. Turner, reeve of Thorold, and a veteran fireman, congratulated Capt. Anger and Merritt Fire Co., on their successful and praiseworthy combat with the fire fiend.
When it was found that the fire could not be got under control by our fire department, Mayor Ross telephoned to Thorold for the loan of a steamer, and our sister town was about sending to our assistance when the order was countermanded by Mayor Ross, it becoming apparent that the fire was being got under control.
Charley Platten, a boarder at the Queen’s, who was eating his breakfast when the alarm of fire was given, made a dash for his room and succeeded in getting out his trunk and clothing, except his overcoat which got on fire before he could get it in the trunk and had to be abandoned.
Mr. Early and his family have the most sincere sympathy of our townspeople and all, not only on their loss, but at the sudden and ruthless manner in which he and his were torn from their pleasant home at an unseasonable hour.
Welland Tribune
27 January 1888
E.A. Sauter has begun to rebuild. The partially burned building adjoined, belonging to Mr. Lock, will be torn down and replaced with a new structure in due season.
Mr. Early has been negotiating for the purchase of the Frazer house, but no bargain for the same has been closed as yet; and of course may never be.
Welland Tribune
17 February 1888
Mr. Sauter’s new shop is up, and will be pushed rapidly to completion by Mr. Schoemaker, who has charge of the work. The building will be covered with metallic shingles.
Welland Tribune
24 February 1888
MR. EARLY has completed negotiations for the purchase of the Frazer House, and expects to enter into possession next month. This will settle the question of tavern licenses in this town for the present.
Welland Tribune
2 March 1888
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
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
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