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Fire--an Old Landmark Gone

Fire--an Old Landmark Gone image
Parent Issue
Day
18
Month
December
Year
1874
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

On Saturday evening last, about 7 o clock, fire was discovered in Cook's Hotel barn, occupied by Mr. Axtell as a boarding stable, and in a very short space of time the entire structure was wrapped in (lames. The fire is supposed to have been caused by the falling of a lantern hanging in the office. All efforts were made to prevent the spread of the fire to adjoining property. Within five minutes from the first discovery of the fire, Protection Engine Co. were at work, being stationed at the reservoir on northeast corner of Court House Square, throwing a stream of water upon the rear of Cook's Hotel building, and by tlieir promptness the hotel was undoubtedly saved ; Relief engir.e was also promptly on hand, taking its position at the southwest corner of the Court House Square, with the hose elevated to top of buildings on Huron street, working at the rear of the fire ; the Fifth Ward company arrived in a remarkable short space of time, taking position at the reservoir corner of Main and Washington streets, doing valient work in preventing the spread of fire on the south and west sides ; while the Hook and Ladder company madcltself useful on all sides. It seems almost a miracle that the entire business portion of the city was not destroyed. The losses are : J. FAvery, on barn, $5,oco,no insurance; Axtell, contents, about L500, no insurance ; Cook's Hotel building about $500, insured ; J. & P. Donnelly, damage to store and building on Washington street, about L800, insured for L500 ; Dr. C. Georg, on dwelling and contents, about $100, insured; J. D. Heinrich, damage to building, loss not ascertained, insured. No official statement has yet been given to the public concerning the aflairs of the Farmer's Store, reported in last Arxius as closed. We are advised, however, by the l'resident of theAssociation, George Sutton, that the investigation so far discloses an indebtedness of $47,000, probably to be swelled to$5O,000 ; and this above the capital stoel?. Of this amount about $24,000 is to eastern parties for goods, and the balance to citizens of this city and vicinity, mostly for borrowed moneys. The former class of creditors have the individual liability of stockholders as a reserve, while the moneylenders are not so confident yet of such protection or security. The assets will probably not exceed L25,000. Conlradictory rumors are in circulation as to the responsibility of Supt. Hays for the condition of affairs, but we will not detail them. It is evident that there has been gross carelessness, neglect, and bad management somewhere, if nothing worse. A stockholders meeling is to be held to-morrow, at which some developments will probably be made.

Article

Subjects
Old News
Michigan Argus