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DESTRUCTIVE FIRE: A fire broke out on last Tuesday morning, aboug 1 o'clock, on Stephenson Street, some where in the vicinity of the Lager Beer Sa loon, c., of John Hobel, and before it could be brought under control, destroyed 4 woolen buildings extending from the Exchange Block to the flat Store of M. 1. Chamberlin, with the exception of the building next tod. B. Childs, which was torn down in order to check the fire. ‘The night was very calm and to that circumstance may be attributed the fact that the rayages of the fire were not much more extensive. Had there been a moderate wind at the time it would have been impossible to have kare Hxvhango, Block. The buildings destroyed were owned and occupied as follows: A Hardware Store, owned and occupied by Merssrs. Engle Strom. Their tors is agtienalled at 7,000—insured for £ 6,000, the cry git welling owned and occupied 4 Lobel. Loss 2,000—incured for athe third building was occuptat + by: Spent jet Hobel. Bakers, and owned by John to ‘bel! Loss of the firm, #1, 200—hisuted for. S800. The next building was oened by G. M. Clayton and occupied as a Barber Shop. The building torn down was also Mr. Clay ton’s and his foss on the two will be about $2,000—new insurance. Mr. Buttles, Boot and Shoeman, who occu pied the building torn down also lost pretty heavily in removing his stock. How much we cannot fail. A large crowd of citizens were on hand 1 very short time after the fire broke out, and much credit is due many of them for the des perate efforts made in extinguishing the fire and checking further destruction. The need of an efficient and well organized Mook Ladder Company, and apparatus was no fully manifest.On the occasion. We trust that such a one will be organized forthwith. — A fire engine would be of little use in town until there are easier means of procuring wa ter than at present, but a Wook and Wadder Company could do much effective service. We hear that the largest portion of the burnt district will be filled with fine buildings during next season, and no doubt not that in less than one year the town will be much the gainer by this disaster. In the meantime we sympathize with the individuals who have eastured and been thrown out of business.
Newspaper Details
Freeport Journal
Freeport, Illinois, US
Thu, Feb 22, 1855
Page 1
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