The Great Fire of 1873 in Lititz
An eyewitness style account recounts the July 31 1873 Lititz fire that destroyed the Wabank House. It describes ignition in the garret near Witter’s Shoe Store, defensive attacks by two hand engines, water buckets on roofs, carpet dousing of Tshudy’s Store roof, and the brick hotel’s survival after the Wabank House collapsed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nazareth
Lititz
Litiv
Wabank House
Wabank
Witter’s
Lititz Gas Company
Witter
Tshudy
Broad Street
Warwick
Butler
Lan
Fire Devastates Lititz Wabank House Reflections On Community
The Lititz fire destroyed the Wabank House with two steamers delayed by distance. Theories blamed fireworks in the garret or accidental causes, while some suspected German waiters. Insured for over 19000 dollars, the town rallied with handmade hoses and bucket brigades to save nearby buildings and protect the village, proving neighbors act for the common good.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lancaster
Lititz
Growth and Goals of Lancaster County Firemen’s Association
Report covers 1921 to present growth of the Lancaster County Firemen’s Association with 59 paid up companies and 900 individual members. It notes about 8000 eligible volunteers in the county and outlines emphasis on equipment, cooperation, fire prevention, and public education through a dedicated Fire Prevention Committee. Urges citizen involvement and a county wide membership drive.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lancaster County Firemen’s Association
Lancaster County
Pennsylvania
Also Mentioned on This Page
RayArt Goodie Shop
East Main Street
Lititz, PA
the Firemen’s Association
Emory P.wagner
Harry F. Landis
Rohrerstown
D. Atlee Groff
Lampeter
Paul Z. Knier
Manheim
Emory P. Wagner
Wm. N. Hoffert
Millersville
Veal
B. F. Lutz
Gulf of Atlantic
C. M. Snavely
Chevrolet Sales and Service
E. Main Street
Wade
Long & Company
Keller
Lancaster County Firemen
Keller’s Bakery
Spruce Street
Farmers National Bank
Samuel W. Buch
J. Frank Buch
G. Graybill Diehm
Wayne G,. Fahnestock
Eli L. Garber
Chester M. Woolworth
Allen B. Henry Henry J. Pierson
Silas R. Posey, M. D
Henry H. Reifsnyder
Christian B. Risser
Joseph B. Wissler
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!