[Welland Tribune, 3 January 1890]
The old log cabin which stood in the field west of Mr. D. McConachie’s residence in the fourth ward was burned on Sunday morning about 9.30 o’clock. The cabin was a relic of Welland’s pioneer days. At one time it was the home of that noted colored character the late “old Black Joe.” Since then Aunt Chloe has lived in the log house; but all tenants had deserted it of late years, and it was unoccupied when burned. It is supposed that tramps set it on fire. The fire department was called out, but they did not pull their carts through the mud. The old hut was not worth the trouble.
Fire: 29 December 1889
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
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
An Early Morning Fire Destroys the House of Mr. Geo. Ross
The ominous clang of the fire bell disturbed the peacefully slumbers of Welland citizens, about 3 o’clock on Tuesday morning when flames were discovered bursting from a barn on the premises of Mr. Geo. Ross, on Burgar street. The building was rapidly consumed and before the brigade had arrived the flames had communicated with the rear of the house. In a very short time however two streams were playing on the building, but the fire seemed to have secured such a headway as to defy the efforts of the firemen, and spread rapidly under the shingles and behind the plaster in such a manner as to elude the efforts to extinguish it. Copious streams were directed on different points but the opposing element had possession and appeared determined to keep it. Fiery tongues curled around the gables and under the eaves, every moment appearing in a fresh spot, stubbornly fighting for supremacy. Another branch from a hydrant on Main street was brought into requisition and for a short time the fire seemed to be under control, but soon burst forth with renewed vigor, and continued, despite all efforts to check it, to burn furiously until the roof and upper portion of the house was destroyed.
The fire was first observed by Miss McGlashan, residing in the next house, who awakened Mr. and Mrs. Ross, and it was sometime after the house was burning before they realized to full extent of the danger. Willing hands, however, offered ready assistance in removing the furniture, and everything except some carpets and a few small articles were taken from the lower story, but nearly everything upstairs including Mr. and Mrs. Ross’ wardrobe and Mrs. Ross’ jewelry was lost. Only a few articles considerably damaged being saved from the room on the north east corner. The building was insured in the British North American Company for $1100, which will probably cover the loss. The contents were covered by a policy of $200 in the same company, but the loss will foot up over $500.
The origin of the fire is somewhat mysterious, but the general conclusion is that it was caused by tramp in the barn. A resident of Division street was awakened about 2 o’clock by a tramp trying to gain admission to his premises, and on being frightened off he went in the direction of Mr. Ross’ house. No fire or light had been in the barn during the day, and the tramp theory at present seems to be the only tenable one.
The water pressure was excellent, and the firemen worked with determined will, but the absence of an efficient hook and ladder company was to be deplored, as such an organization would have been of invaluable benefit in saving the property.
After the fire was extinguished the brigade were fittingly entertained by Mr. Cummines, whose kindness and consideration was much appreciated.
As soon as the insurance is adjusted Mr. Ross will have the house rebuilt.
Welland Telegraph
5 April 1889
Fire: 2 April 1889
Fire
On Tuesday morning, shortly before three o’clock, a small barn belonging to Geo. Ross, civil engineer Burgar street, was first seen by Miss McGlashan to be on fire. By the time the alarm had gathered aid, the barn was wholly enveloped in flames, and fire had communicated to the dwelling-house, a distance of about thirty feet. The firemen were soon on hand, but the fire had meanwhile got into the attic of the house, which was strongly built, and before the flames were got at and extinguished the building and contents were badly wrecked by fire and water. Although the cellar drain was discharging water to its full capacity, the cellar was filled with water to the top and overflowed, shewing water enough to drown out half the town if on fire and the fire could be got at, but in this case as at the fire in White’s building, tons of water were wasted on shingles and siding whilst the fire continued to burn in the attic and between partitions. A better hook and alarm system is needed, the town bell being only audible to those in its immediate vicinity.
The loss is estimated as follows: barn and contents, $200; damage to house, $1200; loss and damage to furniture, &c., $500. There was an insurance of $1500 in the British North America Co., as follows: $100 on barn; $1150 on house, and $200 on furniture. The losses therefore are mainly covered by insurance. Mr. and Mrs. Ross accepted of Sheriff Smith’s hospitable offer of rooms in his dwelling during the rebuilding of the burned house, which will be done at once.
The fire is supposed to have been caused by tramps or chicken thieves, as the door was not locked, and Mr. Ross knows of no fire or light having been in barn for weeks. As no sound or trace of the hens kept in the barn was heard or seen there is some suspicion that some thief stole the chickens, and caused the fire by throwing down a lighted match. Steps were discernible through the snow leading across lots and down to the creek road, going north.
Welland Tribune
5 April 1889
Fire: 2 April 1889
Frank Macoomb’s Store Burned-Mrs. Duncan’s House Saved by the Water Works
Welland has an old and remarkably well verified tradition that its fires never come singly, and, the Ross fire having occurred very recently, the alarm bells on Sunday morning were scarcely a surprise. The scene of the disaster was Mr. Frank Macoomb’s store on East Main street, which, with contents, were entirely destroyed, as well as other considerable damage done. This fire, like several in town lately, took place in the dead of night. It was first seen by Mrs. Duncan, we believe, who was alarmed by the light shining on the windows of her room. The burning building, Macoomb’s grocery, situate about twelve feet west of Duncan’s, was even then firmly in the hands of the fire-fiend, but the flames had not yet burst out to be observable at a distance. The alarm was of course given. The Macoomb dwelling adjoins the store on the side and is connected with it by a room at the back. Mr. Macoomb, as soon as possible, not knowing the fire had become uncontrollable without the aid of the fire department, ran to the store and opened the door connecting with the residence. The fire at once burst out this open door and swept into the residence. The east side hose company was on the spot with commendable promptitude considering the hour, but the buildings were wholly of wood and the fire had spread with amazing rapidity. By the time the hose could be attached, the interior of the store had been burned to a crisp from end to end; the upper part of the Macoomb dwelling was in the embrace of the flames, which had also largely permeated the lower part, and the adjoining side of Mrs. Duncan’s large and valuable frame dwelling was a blazing mass. Fortunately the fire has not got into the latter building; two streams of water were immediately playing and the fire that in another minute would have eaten its way in was extinguished. The flames that were ravaging the Macoomb building were also drowned out as soon as they could be opened up to the water. On the arrival of the west side hose a third stream of water was put on, but it was not needed. No fire yet has been able to stand a minute against the water works. It is only a matter of application-as soon as the water gets at the fire the contest is decided.
The Duncan house escaped by a hair-breadth. So hot and close was the fire that a curtain inside the window of the French roof was scorched brown; had it ignited, the roof, the attic of which contained many easily inflammable articles, would have been overrun by the flames in less time than it takes to tell of it. Without a doubt this valuable house would have been destroyed but for the water works. Quite probably other valuable property would have been swept away as well. The delay in getting up steam for the engine and in getting it on the spot would have been fatal. Score another for water works.
Mr. Duncan wisely determined act to permit their household goods to be removed, and thereby great loss was avoided, but it was only by sheer force that a well-meaning but excited crowd was kept from sacking the premises.
LOSSES AND INSURANCE
Frank Macoomb’s stock of goods amounting to $2500 is a total loss; nothing saved-insured for $1000 in the Mercantile and $500 in the Commercial Union. Mrs. Macoomb’s loss on buildings is estimated at $800; the store being a total wreck, and dwelling but little better; insured for only $300, in the Queen’s. The loss of household goods is estimated at $500; they were insured for $1200, but largely on specific articles, such as piano, &c. Total loss on Macoomb’s properties, $3800; insured for $3000. $1200 of which, however, is on household goods mostly saved, so that the whole amount of insurance will not be receivable.
The damage to Mrs. Duncan’s house is light, and covered by insurance.
Since the above was written the insurance adjusters for the Mercantile and Commercial Union companies have been here and inquired into the losses, and have allowed Mr. Macoomb’s claim for loss on stock ($1500) in full except $25. Mrs. Macoomb was awarded $325 for loss and damage to household effects. The insurance on building, $300, is not yet adjusted, but will no doubt be allowed in full.
The firemen and workers were entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Duncan and at Mr. Lent’s after their labors, which hospitality was duly appreciated.
Welland Tribune
19 April 1889
Fire: 14 April 1889
On Tuesday morning, shortly before three o’clock, a small barn belonging to Geo. Ross, civil engineer Burgar street, was first seen by Miss McGlashan to be on fire. By the time the alarm had gathered aid, the barn was wholly enveloped in flames, and fire had communicated to the dwelling-house, a distance of about thirty feet. The firemen were soon on hand, but the fire had meanwhile got into the attic of the house, which was strongly built, and before the flames were got at and extinguished the building and contents were badly wrecked by fire and water. Although the cellar drain was discharging water to its full capacity, the cellar was filled with water to the top and overflowed, shewing water enough to drown out half the town if on fire and the fire could be got at, but in this case as at the fire in White’s building, tons of water were wasted on shingles and siding whilst the fire continued to burn in the attic and between partitions. A better hook and alarm system is needed, the town bell being only audible to those in its immediate vicinity.
The loss is estimated as follows: barn and contents, $200; damage to house, $1200; loss and damage to furniture, &c., $500. There was an insurance of $1500 in the British North America Co., as follows: $100 on barn; $1150 on house, and $200 on furniture. The losses therefore are mainly covered by insurance. Mr. and Mrs. Ross accepted of Sheriff Smith’s hospitable offer of rooms in his dwelling during the rebuilding of the burned house, which will be done at once.
The fire is supposed to have been caused by tramps or chicken thieves, as the door was not locked, and Mr. Ross knows of no fire or light having been in barn for weeks. As no sound or trace of the hens kept in the barn was heard or seen there is some suspicion that some thief stole the chickens, and caused the fire by throwing down a lighted match. Steps were discernible through the snow leading across lots and down to the creek road, going north.
Welland Tribune
5 April 1889
Fire: 2 April 1889
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