Close to Death
[People’s Press, 19 February 1907]
Joseph A. Craig, proprietor of Uneda Laundry, and his driver, came near meeting death an awful death on Saturday. They were driving the delivery wagon across the railroad tracks at the G.T.R. Depot, when a light engine backed out from behind a train standing at the depot. The occupants of the rig did not see or hear the engine until it was right on them. Both grabbed the reins and jerked the horse up on his hind feet. The animal’s fore feet struck the tender of the engine as it went past. Spectators turned their backs expecting a horrible accident was about to happen. Mr. Craig says the electric bell, which is supposed to sound an alarm at the crossing when a train is about to pass; was not ringing.
One other day last week a farmer just escaped being caught by a Wabash express. The horses jumped when they saw the approaching train clearing the tracks in the nick of time.
Tuesday, April 30th
[Welland Tribune, 26 April 1907]
The formal opening of this new and beautiful rink will take place on Tuesday, April the 30th, when the following program will be offered: J.H. Crow, mayor of Welland, has kindly consented to act as chairman. Short and pithy speeches will be be given by the following gentlemen- William Mitchell, reeve of Grimsby, and J.A. Livingstone of the same place, W.M. German, M.P., George W. Sutherland, warden of the county of Welland, L.C. Raymond, Robert Porter, and members of the town council. The Welland band and the Forty-fourth Regiment band will be in attendance.
Arrangements have been made for a special G.T.R. train from Grimsby and intermediate points connecting with a special trolley car at Merritton, leaving Niagara Falls at 6.30 p.m. Car will await the return train at Merritton returning to the Falls at once. Trains will stop at all stations between Welland and Hamilton on return. Tickets can be purchased on the car. Return fare, 75 cents. Skating will commence immediately after formal opening. Rules and regulations will be strictly observed. Admission for this special event, 25 cents, skates 25 cents. Doors open at 7.30.
Regular prices and hours hereafter will be as follows.
Morning session from 10 to 12, including skates, 15 cents.
Afternoon session from 2.30 to 5, including skates, 20 cents.
Evening session from 7.30 to 10, admission 10 cents , skates 15 cents.
No pains will be spared to insure the best of instructions to skaters and everything possible will be done to make this popular resort attractive. Everybody come.
God save the King.
[Welland Tribune, 26 April 1907]
This actually occurred in one of the city’s mammoth department stores one day last week. A lady customer stood in one of the aisles in a pensive attitude. She was perhaps meditating on the advisability of investing in some of the finery, when a short-sighted clerk, taking her for one of the lay figures, threw his arms around her and proceeded to carry her towards one of the windows. A vigorous protest was instantly entered by the lady, who was rudely aroused from her reverie, and the blushing clerk, overcome with confusion, humbly apologized for his error.-Vancouver, B.C. World
[Welland Tribune, 9 August 1907]
Meriden, Conn., July 26-Three years of peace for $500 has been purchased by Joseph Boucher of this city. Boucher alleges that life with his wife was “one continual nag,” and that thirty-six months of immunity from persecution is cheap at the price paid. Mrs. Boucher accepted the proposition by signing the following unique contract: “I, Marie Boucher, do hereby agree not to bother my husband, come near him nor ask him for money for the space of three years.” The woman has gone to the home of her parents in Canada. At the expiration, if she wishes, she may return.
[Welland Tribune, 9 August 1907]
Elkhart, Ind., Aug. 2-At the grave of her husband Mrs. M.E. Joles of Bronson, Mich., received a proposal of marriage from Edward Turner, the undertaker, and she promptly accepted. He was so gentle in his treatment of the corpse and so sympathetic in his bearing toward the family that she admired him. The undertaker rode home with her from the grave and when he left her that evening they were engaged to be married. They will be married tomorrow at Elkhart.
Moore & Son’s Stable and Storeroom Burned
Methodist Church and Other Buildings Take Fire but are Saved
NARROW ESCAPE FROM A GREAT DISASTER
Welland, June 15-A sensational fire occurred here today, resulting in considerable loss, and a very narrow escape from a great fire disaster. At half-past two, afternoon, the fire alarm sounded and the first glance out doors showed a huge column of smoke already in the centre of the town. The fire had started in Moore & Son’s stable in the rear of their implement warerooms on West Main street, near the bridge over the canal, the centre of a cluster of frame buildings immediately in rear of J. H. Crow’s, Rose’s and Crowther’s stores- a most dangerous spot, involving half the business premises of the town. As usual in the case of fire in barns, the flames spread with lightening rapidity. The structure burned like a match-box, the flames reaching out in all directions in less time than it takes to tell the tale.
A frame building adjoining, owned and used by Moore & Son as a storeroom for implements, carriages etc., was soon in flames and was totally destroyed; both of these buildings were sheeted with metal.
A small frame storeroom in rear of J.H. Crow’s store also caught fire and was practically destroyed, only the charred frame standing after the fire had been drowned out by the water; all the contents had been got out of Mr. Crow’s building except a few barrels of salt. The building was insured. Hiss loss is probably in the neighborhood of $150.
These three were all the buildings that were actually destroyed.
Stables belonging to R. Cooper and W.H. Crowther were in imminent danger, in fact were on fire several times and were only saved by the heroic exertions of the fire fighters.
The same may be said of Clemo’s barber shop and Crow’s store; in fact the fate of the whole quarter of the town trembled in the balance for a bad quarter of an hour. Fortunately the fire department was promptly on hand. The hose cart from the north ward was first on the spot and had a stream of water playing on the fire in less than ten minutes, and a few minutes later all three streams were effective. Fortunately also there was but little wind at the time, and the fire was soon under control.
Messrs. Moore & Son’s loss will probably reach $2500. There was some insurance on the barn, but none on the storeroom building or contents, where the principal loss occurred. The contents of the barn burned included a large quantity of hay, straw and oats just put in, and a valuable horse. The other building contained a large stock of new wagons and implements, only a few of which were gotten out.
So intense was the heat that the sparks were carried to a great elevation and descended at a distance, starting several other fires and endangering half the town.
Fires were thus on the roofs of A.O. Rose’s store, Mrs. R. Cooper’s millinery shop and the Methodist church, and whilst Mr. Clemo was so valiantly and efficiently protecting his building with his garden hose on the side next the fire, a spark flew over the building and lighted on his awning on the opposite side burning it badly.
Mrs. Cooper’s loss by damage to walls, carpets and furniture by water will be considerable.
THE FIRE AT THE CHURCH
No sooner had the first fire been gotten fairly under control than the tocsin again sounded, and word was quickly passed around that the Methodist church was on fire. A spark from the burning buildings had lighted on the roof of the church and ignited it. Fortunately the fire was on the lee side-the south side-protected from the northerly wind-and burned very slowly.
For some time the flame was visible as a “thin red line,” started by a spark near southeast corner of roof, slowly creeping up to the spire. A few buckets of water would have extinguished it, but the trouble was to touch the spot, the fire being up as high as four storeys of an ordinary building. A run of ill-luck gave the fire about half-an-hour free play before the water service could be made effective, during which time the flames ate their way through the roof, necessitating flooding the building with water, with heavy loss.
When the water was first turned on, which was in a reasonable short time it was found that the stream could not be made to reach the fire, owing to its height and the low pressure caused by still using water for the fire at Moore’s. Then, a wait till a ladder could be erected. When the hose was hoisted on this and an attempt made to again turn on the water the hydrant at Roach’s broke necessitating a transfer to another hydrant and another wait. When water was turned on the third time it was found that there was still not force enough to reach the fire, even from the top of the ladder, which could not be placed to the best advantage owing to the trees. Before this time, however, a bucket brigade had been got in service, materially checking the fire by throwing water on it from the apex of the roof. Finally the nozzle was hoisted by a rope to the top of the roof and the fire drowned out, but the flooding of the south side of the church was unavoidable. The interior of the church will require to be repainted, and perhaps partly replastered, the cost of which will probably be from $500 to $1000. Loss to church covered by insurance in a number of different companies.
ORIGIN OF THE FIRE
On examining the debris after the fire, Messrs. Moore & Son feel satisfied that the fire started in the roof or mow, and that a spark was blown in from somewhere. As the wind was from the southwest at the time, there seems a possibility that it might have come from Cutler’s mill stack, as shavings are used for fuel there.
SPARKS
The firemen were hampered somewhat on account of crowding by spectators. The town authorities should arrange for effective police service at all fires.
The metal on the frame buildings did grand service. Had it not been for it, Clemo’s, Crowther’s and other buildings would surely have burned, and there is no telling where the conflagration would have extended to. At the same time it is undeniable that in all new structures a still better class of buildings should be required for danger spots like that involved in Saturday’s fire. In fact, the town now urgently needs a better system with respect to the construction of new buildings. The fire limits should be extended, the conditions made more efficient, and no building allowed to be put up without a permit and proper inspection.
A man had a narrow escape at the church fire. While getting to the roof he mis-stepped and broke a hole through the ceiling. Fortunately he caught hold of a joist and was extricated, but, had he fallen on the pews below, some twenty feet, he would in all probability have been instantly killed.
Hugh Schooley of Humberstone had his horse tied to Mr. Moore’s barn, and was sitting in Mr. Moore’s office when the fire started. Hearing his horse utter a terrifying shriek, he ran out and found his horse almost enveloped in flames. H e succeeded in getting the animal away, but not before it was severely burned about one side of the head and shoulder, rendering the services of a veterinary necessary.
The Press is informed that at least one lawn water service (on Franklin street) was kept running all the time of the fire. Every water tap should be closed during fires, as each open tap reduces the pressure.
People’s Press
18 June 1907
Fire: 15 June 1907
CHURCH RE-OPENING
The re-opening of the Methodist church was celebrated most auspiciously on Sunday. Special services were held morning and evening, at which large congregations were present. Rev. Dr. A.L. Gee of Brantford, president of the Hamilton Conference, officiated at both services, delivering interesting sermons. There was a full choir both times and appropriate hymns sung.
In the morning, Dr. Gee took for his text, Romans 1-14, “I am debtor.” He prefaced his remarks by placing an emphasis of the indebtedness of our forefathers to God and Christianity. He proceeded through various channels dealing with the subject until he turned to the present age, when he showed how the people of this day owe their education and progress to God and Christianity.
The contribution of the day amounted to upwards of $600.
People’s Press
6 August 1907
Methodist Church Again the Victim
All but Walls and Basement Destroyed
LOSS $12,000-INSURANCE $5,500
Town Steam Roller Burned
GREAT GAS CONFLAGRATION
CHURCH TO BE REBUILT AT ONCE
The town steam road roller and the just re-opened Methodist church on Muir street were victims of the devouring element on Tuesday evening. Everything about the roller that would burn or melt was burned or melted, and the church was destroyed, all except the sidewalls and basement.
The responsibility for the conflagration rests with the town steam roller which burst the gas main. Wm. Phillips, who was in charge of the roller, was steering it to the side of the road opposite the church, where it has remained when not in use for the past few nights. One of the caulks on the wheels punctured the large high-pressure gas main, which lay on the surface of the ground.
GAS EXPLOSION
The gas at once shot out with a tremendous roar and force and ignited from the fire in the firebox. The flames shot into the air, blowing Phillips from the cab. He was badly but not dangerously burned about the hands and face. He is expected to recover. The roller was burned as stated above. It cost the town $3,000 a few years ago. Fortunately the boiler was full of water and did not explode and is apparently unharmed. It will cost probably between $500 and $1000 to repair the roller, as the engine rods are twisted, babbit melted out, and all the woodwork completely gone.
THE CHURCH FIRE
About half-past six o’clock the church roof was observed to be on fire. The flames at an early stage were seen breaking through the roof in different places, which gave some the impression that the fire originated in the interior of the church, and not from the roller-gas fire. The facts, however, we think, leave no doubt that the one fire caused the other. The trees near the church were scorched by the gas; the wind was blowing directly from the fire to the church, and the fire developed just after lapse of time sufficient to have got a start. It is generally supposed that the gas explosion blew a piece of burning wood or other debris from the cab under or against the lower part of the church roof, that, there being no wind, this burnt its way through the roof, then rapidly followed the roof up on the under side, breaking out at the top, and leading to the belief that the fire originated inside.
FIREMEN DID QUICK WORK
There was some quick work done by the firemen. It took only four minutes from the time the first alarm was sounded till No. 3 had a stream playing on the flames, the cart having been started before the alarm sounded. The other three reels arrived in rapid order, and the work of quenching the flames was begun. The Cordage Fire Co. was early on hand, and did good work.
Chief Stapf was on hand early and directed his men. In all four streams were put in use, one on the rear, one on the front, and one on each side.
WATER PRESSURE POOR
The water pressure was very poor, 134 pounds being the limit. The water is wasted too freely about town and that perhaps accounts for the low pressure. During the fire someone telephoned for a better pressure, and they were informed by the waterworks officials that no more water pressure could be obtained. They also accompanied this information with the retort, “Get better nozzles.”
The trees around the church have grown against the walls on every side, and made the task of the firemen doubly difficult-and dangerous, as they had to get close to the walls to get through the screen of trees.
THE CHURCH LOSS
The church was the largest in the town and cost originally about $14,000, when work and material were much cheaper than they are now. In addition to original cost, the organ had just been rebuilt and the church renovated and repainted after the former fire, at a cost of $2,000, which of course, is a dead loss. The church was re-opened only the Sunday preceding. The organ is a total loss and no insurance; it cost $800, and cannot be replaced by that sum. The electric lighting appliances cost about $400, all lost.
Most of the chairs in the basement, the piano and other furniture were saved by citizens who carried them out onto the lawn of the church. A small organ was also saved. All the Sunday school paraphernalia was got out.
The walls of the church are practically intact, and the fire never entered the basement at all. As may be seen elsewhere in this paper, the trustees have since met and pluckily decided to have the church rebuilt at once, in a more modern and convenient form, at a cost of $12,000. The Methodist church of Welland has always kept full abreast of the times and there is no thought of taking a back seat or yielding to disaster now.
The tower of the church was burnt at the top only, the bell remaining in its position, uninjured it is supposed.
THE INSURANCE
In the matter of insurance, the church is in an unfortunate position. The church, organ, furniture etc., that should have been insured for at least $12,000, was insured for only $5,500 at the outside. The trustees have been negotiating for additional insurance, but unfortunately neglected to take the advice against procrastination so often heard from Methodist pulpits until it was everlastingly too late.
As soon as the fire got below the roof, the heavy walls kept the flames enclosed, and there being no wind, the conflagration was kept from spreading without great difficulty.
OPERA HALL TO BE USED
The trustees of the church have accepted the kind offer of Mr. O.H. Garner to use Orient Hall for the services until other quarters can be found. The usual services will therefore take place on Sunday in Orient Hall, Rev. C.J. Dobson of Markham, preaching at both services. Rev. J.E. Hockey, on hearing of the disaster, returned from the vacation trip on which he was just starting and will also be present.
SPARKS
The only thing about the church that was fully insured was the piano-and it was saved, being in the basement.
When Phillips was being taken home he refused to allow the driver to pass the burning boiler; he had had enough of it. A burnt child dreads the fire.
The break in the gas main was fixed about 9:30 Tuesday evening. It would have been repaired sooner, but nothing could be done until the steam roller was got off the point impaired.
There was a regrettable incident in connection with the unfortunate accident to Phillips. Tuesday was pay day and his coat with his pay in it was burnt to cinders, while hanging in the cab of the roller.
The gas, which could not be shut off until the shut-off above the Junction was reached, made a tremendous roaring, the flames reaching above the telegraph wires. Thousands gathered to see the double conflagration.
“Humpy” Hagar had two fingers on his right hand broken again. They were broken two or three weeks ago, and it was feared they could not be straightened. He took the accident philosophically, saying, “Perhaps they will be straight again now.”
Mr. Boyd, who was holding the hose on the roof of the parsonage, had a narrow escape from being thrown off the roof. In turning the hose, it slipped, and in recovering it, he turned the full force of the water on himself. He managed to right himself, however.
“Better late than never,” is a well-known motto, but in this case “Better late than early” is a true saying. The Methodist church had ordered over 100 yards of new carpet for the aisles. This came from Montreal, and there was some disappointment that it had not been received for the opening, but that very fact was its salvation. The carpet did not arrive until Monday and had been delivered, but was got out of the basement of the church during the fire, not having been laid yet.
GRANT RYAN HURT
Grant Ryan, of No. 1 Hose Co., while working near the steeple, was hit on the right shoulder and side by a piece of falling cornice about fourteen feet long. He was unconscious for a little while and was carried to Dr. Cowper’s hospital. It was thought by many that he was seriously hurt, but fortunately it was found that no bones had been broken, only his shoulder and side being bruised. He was around again Wednesday and will be all right in a day or two.
Send ten cents to the Yedis Co., Welland, and get two photographs of the fires.
[Welland Tribune, 9 August 1907]
Fire: 6 August 1907
Methodist Church to be Rebuilt at Once
Improved and Modernized at a cost of $12,000
A meeting of the board of trustees of the Welland Methodist Church was held on Monday morning, when it was decided to rebuild the church at once and in a much more modern plan as far as the circumstances and finances will permit. The entrance will be entirely changed. The cost will be in the neighborhood of $12,000 and will require about $7,000 to be raised after receiving the insurance. One thousand dollars were subscribed at the meeting and the trustees expect to report a large portion of the $7,000 already subscribed before the services in the Opera House on Sunday.
[Welland Tribune, 9 August 1907]
STATION ROOF BURNED
Cordage Fire Service do Good Work
A spark from switch engine No. 8538 is believed to be responsible for a blaze that was started at one o’clock yesterday afternoon, and took all the school children and several hundred grown-ups to the Welland M.C.R. station in the midst of a blazing sun.
About the first man to answer the alarm was Conductor A.W. Mount. He ascended to the attic where the records are kept and found the place filled with smoke and fire. Yard-master Young went with him, followed by R.A. Kilgour, from the hotel across the way.
The Cordage works were asked to give a helping hand, and this they did in a manner that saved the station, running over their factory hose. This was promptly played on the blaze. Meanwhile the flames had eaten their way through the roof. The records were the accumulation of years, and roof was as dry as tinder, and the smoke was stifling. Sparks commenced to fly Cordagewards, fanned by the strong breeze, and for a few moments it looked as if there might be a serious conflagration. When the fire was discovered, the operator at once telephoned in an alarm. The department were quick to answer, and although the distance was a mile, C.E. Davis was soon rattling along Muir street, with a reel swinging from the end of his lorry. George Wahl brought a reel and hook and ladder, and Chester Tufts brought reel number three. Two additional streams were put on, and in half an hour the station beneath was two inches deep with water, and the office furniture soaked, while upstairs practically all the records were destroyed or mutilated. The M.C.R. intend to build a new station and this may expedite matters.
People’s Press
25 June 1907
Fire: 24 June 1907
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