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Newspaper
Norfolk Virginian
Location
Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
Date
Mar 30, 1897
Page
5
A large Portsmouth fire, the greatest in the city’s history, prompted rewards for capture and conviction. Two white men were seen fleeing the rear of the hall after midnight as flames spread, with extensive property losses and widespread community efforts to aid sufferers.
An early blaze drew high demand as several hundred units were sold yesterday. The report notes a misprint where Captain Owens of the Rifles was listed as Captain Rodgers, creating confusion over who led the company.
The assistant pastor Father Locke tolled the church bell as St. Pauls burned, the ladderless crowd watching the roof collapse and flames climb the spire. The bell’s deep note marked the building’s last hour before the roof and cross gave way. The priest exited after blessing the scene as the ruin fell.
Citizens gather at City Hall after Sunday fire to organize relief efforts. A 15 member general committee and a 3 member subcommittee are appointed to solicit funds and aid, with adds of a safety committee and increased rewards for arson. Local banks and naval services are invited to assist.
Meeting extended thanks to the Portsmouth Fire Department for gallant work at the Thames fire. The collecting committee reported $553.25 raised. A fifteen member citizens committee met at the Portsmouth Insurance Company to distribute $900 to white families and $165 to eighteen colored families and to coordinate remaining funds and provisions with the Woman's Christian Benevolent Union. Household donations of furniture and provisions were received. A hook and ladder was urged after a Sunday blaze damaged the Catholic church and High Street property. Council criticism was voiced and action urged at the next meeting to avoid further disappointment.
Chief Engineer Robinson ordered fifteen breakfasts for Norfolk firemen at the Madison hotel and offered to pay. Mr. Lee said no bill was charged, and the generous gesture acknowledged the firemen’s aid to Portsmouth residents in a time of need.
The Virginian says Sunday morning coverage of the fire omitted the names of the military units called out along with Grimes' Gallery. The paper regrets the error and states the omission was accidental.
The Portsmouth Sunday School Association held its regular meeting at Wright Memorial Sunday School with Captain WM V White presiding. Reports named Central church for attendance and Park View for contributions as March banner winners. funeral of Leon Jenkins described with services by Rev. Ray and Rev. Mitchell, burial at Oak Grove.
A sweeping note discusses the Pennsylvania Railroad seeking a main Southern terminus at Port Norfolk and Newport News. It notes port advantages, expanded export trade, new belt-line construction, and greater banking and export facilities as shipments shift to Norfolk and Portsmouth. The piece hints at rivalry with the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad over a James River bridge and franchise moves, with continued coverage promised.
Acknowledges ACN Ini Ginn and officers of the Navy Yard fire department Chief Martin Ryan and Norfolk fire department members, Norfolk County Fire Department Chief Thomaus Robinson, and local firemen and citizens for their brave assistance in saving St. Pauls church after the disastrous conflagration that devastated the valley.
Mass meeting for all Catholics and interested parties to discuss rebuilding St Pauls Church recently destroyed by fire. Oxford Hall hosts Thursday at 8 oclock with subscriptions invited. Thos J Brady pastor urges attendance.
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