|
Placer
Herald (Auburn), 6-9-1855
AUBURN IN ASHES – Loss over $200,000 – EIGHTY HOUSES CONSUMED!!!
On Monday
last about two o’clock PM, a fire broke out in one of the China-houses
on the side of the hill below the Methodist Church, which spread with
fearful rapidity. The flames soon crossed the street to Dr. Kinzie’s
Drug Store, thence to the Diana Bowling Saloon, Keehner’s Bakery, Geo.
H. Stephens’ Livery Stable; the Empire and Orleans hotels soon followed
in quick succession. Before the flames had spread this far, every
citizen and visitor in town who could be spared from the fire was at
work carrying to the adjacent hills and ravines such valuables as could
be seized hold of. Those residing on the south side of town were unable
to secure much from the devouring element. The fire seemed fairly to
lick up the buildings as it went, until it reached Barney and Woody’s
new stable which was in the course of erection; but nothing could stay
the raging element – on it went until nothing was left but the neat row
of cottages on Court House hill owned by the Bear River Water Company,
Judge Fitzsimmons, H. R. Hawkins, and E. G. Smith. Through the great
exertions of the members of the Board of Supervisors and other
gentlemen, the court house was saved. In this connection, we would
mention the faithful labors of a Negro man named Jackson who assisted a
great deal towards saving this public building.
The loss of
our two commendations-hotels will be sensibly felt, and we fear it will
be a long time before we shall “see their like again.” Messrs. House and
Echols, the landlords, have been heavy losers. The office of the Placer
Press has sustained a very heavy damage, making it necessary for the
proprietors to almost entirely renew their establishment. The Temple
Saloon that stood on the hill went like a flash of powder, and the “Old
Auburn House” opposite, a ’19 relic with its well-seasoned boards was a
fit subject for the flames. By vigorous exertions Allen’s Livery Stable
was saved.
The houses
from where the fire broke out on both sides of the street, extending as
far as the Methodist Church were consumed. This portion of the town was
principally occupied by Chinamen, several of whom are heavy losers.
When the
flames caught from the Orleans Hotel to the Mechanic’s Hall, many of our
citizens at the north end of town had had time in saving many of their
effects and were better prepared than many of our citizens for the
reception of the fire. From the Hall, the flames went to Oberdeener’s
and the large store house of H. T. Holmes. The upper story being
occupied by the Pacific Express Co., Post Office, and Alta Telegraph
Co., and adjoining the Concert room. Apparently but a moment intervened
when Wicke’s Drug Store, Placer Herald office and the National Hotel
were on fire, extending thence up street, east, meeting the other point
of the fire.
The time
occupied in the burning was one hour and twenty-five minutes. The town
has gone, what of that! In twelve months we will have a prettier and
much better one.
It has been
reported that the remains of a Chinaman were found amid the ruins of one
of their houses, but we have been unable to satisfy ourselves of the
correctness of the report.
Confusion
Our office
is all confusion – we occupy a portion of the blacksmith shop situated
on the ravine, and editorials, such as they be, are written amid the
delectable neighing of horses, sound of hammers, and noises generally.
Office in pie-type, paper, books, bed clothes, chases, a mixture; and
thus we issue our paper this week, and perhaps we shall have to do so
the next one; but in ten days we shall have a new office and go ahead
again.
Thanks
Direct
We owe
special thanks to Philip Lynch of Dolan’s Bar, A. S. Smith, and W. W.
Caperton of Gold Hill, and Wm. A. Johnson of this place; and other
gentlemen with whose names we are not familiar, for their timely and
energetic assistance in removing our office.
At Their
Old Stands
Many of our
citizens have resumed business in temporary structures at their old
stands, as near as we can ascertain as follows: Wicke’s Drug Store;
Oberdeener’s Book Store; Orleans Hotel; Empire Hotel; Keehner’s Bakery;
Crescent City Livery Stable; Van Mater’s Tin Shop; Goodkind’s
Confectionary; Wells, Fargo & Co.; Hyneman’s Clothing Store; Newman &
Co. Clothing Store; Parkinson & Co.; Geo. Willment; Robt. Gordon; and S.
E. Rousin’s Meat Market. Mr. Echols of the National has opened at H. R.
Hawkins’ residence; Credit of the Gem Restaurant will be found at the
Methodist Church; the Temple Saloon is at Allen & Co. Livery Stable;
Geo. Stephens has erected a temporary stable for his livery horses on
the side of the hill above the Crescent City Stable; the Lawyers and
Physicians are at the Court House; the Pacific Express Co. Office,
Telegraph Office, and Post Office, at Mr. Martin’s residence; and the
Placer Herald and Placer Press in the blacksmith shop just opposite.
Those who want to shave will find Stevens’ Saloon somewhere on the side
of the hill in the rear of the Orleans. [ Submitted By Kathie Kloss
Marynik]
Placer
Herald (Auburn), 2-7-1857, reprinted from Iowa Hill News Extra, Iowa
Hill, Monday, 2-2-1857
Destruction of Iowa Hill by
Fire
This
morning at 3 o’clock, the alarm of fire was given. In a few minutes, the
central portion of the town was in flames. The fire was first discovered
in the back part of the City Bakery and is supposed to have been the
work of an incendiary as there had been no fire in the building for
baking purposes since Sunday at 10 AM.
The
east side of Main Street from Temperance Hall to McCall & Co. Brewery is
swept, with the exception of Mr. Colgan’s brick store or the goods
therein. The Post Office was in this building. On the west side of the
street, the fire extended from the office of the
News to Hill’s
Reservoir. The dwelling houses in the rear on either side of Main Street
were all saved. About one hundred buildings and tenements are destroyed.
It is almost miraculous that no lives were lost.
The
material of the News
printing office was all moved but by tearing away a building between it
and the St. Louis house, and by the indefatigable exertions of our
citizens, our office was saved and the fire arrested on the west side of
the street. We are under deep and lasting obligations to friends and our
citizens generally for their generous and timely assistance.
It is
almost impossible to approximate at anything near the loss sustained. So
rapidly did the flames extend, that the fire-proof cellars under most of
the large stores were of little use, there being no time to remove
merchandise into them.
Up to the
time of our going to press, P. J. Edwards’ safe had not been opened.
Probably all his papers are preserved.
A meeting
was held today at 12 o’clock for the purpose of devising means for the
alleviation of the destitute. Messrs. Ladd, Crutcher, Hotchkiss, Rich &
Bennett of Iowa Hill, Wm. D. Lawrence of Bird Flat, Housel of Grizzly
Flat, Brown of Wisconsin Hill, Reno of Independence Hill, and Trask of
Roach Hill were appointed committees to receive subscriptions. A meeting
will be held at 3 o’clock for the purpose of taking into consideration
the widening of the streets.
2 o’clock
The work of
re-building has commenced. Two houses have been moved on to Main Street,
teams are busily engaged in hauling lumber for the reconstruction. Our
town has suffered a severe stroke, but the indomitable will and untiring
perseverance of our citizens will cause Iowa Hill to soon resume her
place among the first of mountain towns.
The
Telegraph office has been removed to the
News office and was in working order by 9
o’clock AM. The disordered condition of our office prevents giving more
particulars. We will issue an extra tomorrow.
Later.
Tuesday, 2 o’clock PM
Today, the
smoldering ruins are being cleared away, and the somewhat saddened
countenances of yesterday are changed to those of animated courage and
perseverance. The work of re-building is progressing rapidly.
Mr.
McKinney yesterday moved a building upon the rear of his lot in which he
will carry on his business until a more substantial store can be
erected. Mrs. Conner also moved a building temporarily upon the site of
the St. Nicholas. Mr. Walworth and Garity have their foundations laid –
the former designed for a boarding house and the latter for a store. Mr.
Creamer, the popular and untiring proprietor of Creamer’s Hotel has
commenced the erection of a hotel 30 by 75 where he will resume his
business and be sure to meet his numerous patrons. He has opened for the
present in Temperance Hall.
Egbert & Co. Grocers saved some of their stock in the
cellar; they have a large stock on the road. J. A. Barber saved a
portion of his stock and will soon be afloat again. All the goods which
were moved into the cellars were preserved, thus showing their
fire-proof qualities. Molbourn saved a great portion of his stock of
clothing and is preparing to resume his business.
Geo. Haycock has commenced a building on the Alta lot
where Block will continue to vend the “choicest brands” of principles
and apples big as pumpkins. “Try one, gentlemen.”
P. J. Edwards has commenced a building upon the site of
his old office. His books and papers are o.k. Justice Watson has
commenced a building opposite to where the Boomerang stood. McCall & Co.
are at their Brewery – will commence their saloon tomorrow. Betts &
Greenbouer, Star Bakery – are building. Bennett & Co. of the Empire
Stable have moved to the building in ear of the Peacock Stable lot.
Main Street has been surveyed by Mr. Young, twenty feet
wider than originally. [ Submitted By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Placer
Herald (Auburn), 7-25-1857
Michigan Bluff Destroyed by Fire – LOSS ESTIMATED AT $150,000 – One
Hundred and Fifty Buildings Burned
The
flourishing village of Michigan Bluff was almost wholly destroyed on
Wednesday afternoon of this week. The fire originated in the U. S.
Bakery on the west side of Main Street, immediately connected with the
adjoining buildings, and sweeping onward with irresistible force soon
laid the principal part of the town in ashes.
We have
been unable to obtain a statement of individual losses but have been
furnished with a carefully prepared list of those who have been
sufferers by the conflagration. On the west side of Main Street as
follows: Squires & Kemble’s house; M. Hoffman, dwelling; shoe store;
Marcus & Co., two stores; Jarvis, blacksmith shop; Page & Co., machine
shop, clothing store; Wm Proctor, Lafayette Restaurant; U. S. Bakery, W.
Meizenbach & Co.; Brown & Crane, grocers; Graham, drug store; Polits,
clothing store; M. Eugler, provision store; L. Newman, clothing store;
Dickenson & Co., butchers; Wells, Fargo & Co.; W. Cory; J. Lewis, cigar
store; J. Rosenbohm, liquors; W. W. Cunningham, boarding house; Oriental
Hotel, Moody; S. T. Leet & Co., provision store; Empire Saloon, Evans &
Co.; Greenwood’s boarding house; Fisher’s city hotel; U. S. House,
Watkins & Co.; E. Stanford, provisions; C. Smith, dwelling; Palmer,
dwelling; Bennett, dwelling; Foggarty & Dilty, blacksmiths; Palmer & Co.
East side
of street: Mrs. Farrell; French house; J. J. Wilson, Physician; C. C.
Reed’s house; W. Shear, fruit and cigars; C. W. C. Rowell, law office;
Drs. Waters & Noble, Drugs & Co.; D. Byrne, ball alley; Dr. Favor,
drugs, etc.; Morrill & Co., barber; Pelican Saloon, Walker; S. Reinstein,
clothing; Sims & McDonald, butchers; J. W. Bradly & Co., provisions;
Alhambra Saloon, Miller; Quartz Rock Saloon, McComb & Co.; French House,
J. Claressy; Fleishman & Co., clothing; A. A. Mason, tin shop; Duntin &
Co., shoemakers; James Reynolds, house; Post Office; Several houses
occupied by Chinese; J. Levins, dwelling; John Hurandner, machine shop;
E. Stanford, dwelling; three dwelling houses.
Sweeping
across from Main to Church, the fire destroyed all the buildings on the
south side of that street. Burland’s Livery Stable, situated on a street
leading out from Main, shared the same fate. Nearly all the buildings on
both sides of Main Street in the rear of the town were burnt; also a
double row of buildings on the “Flat” below the town.
Some of the
merchants were fortunately provided with fire-proof cellars and saved
the entire or a large portion of their stocks, or else the loss would
have been much greater. Among those are Brady, Leet, and Stanford. The
cellars of Politz and Newan, we understand, did not stand the test, and
they lost most of their stocks of clothing. The only accident occurring
during the fire was to Mr. Robert Piper who was severely, though not
dangerously, burned.
This is a
heavy blow to the Bluffs. The accumulation of years of industry and toil
has been swept away in an hour. But with that energy peculiar to
Californians, they are already re-building their town. Many of the
citizens are desirous of selecting a new site, as the mining operations
are gradually extending within the town limits, but the high price at
which lots are held upon the proposed new location may prevent a
removal. Burland has commenced a new livery stable, and Eugler a
business house upon their old lots.
We hope the
citizens of the Bluffs will study their true interests in rebuilding
their town and have wide streets. The narrow streets of our mountain
towns are a grievous fault in building, and when a fire does come, they
never can be saved.
We
sympathize with our fellow citizens in their loss, but we know they are
not the people to be disheartened, but before the summer is over will
have a more substantial and handsomer town than the old one ever was. [
Submitted By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Placer Herald (Auburn), 10-15-1859
GREAT CONFLAGNATION OF AUBURN – Fifty-Eight Buildings Destroyed – Loss
$119,250
The
citizens of this place were startled by the dreaded cry of fire on
Sunday morning last, about twenty minutes after seven o’clock, which,
unfortunately, was the warning note of sad disaster. Many had not arisen
from their beds at the time, but the alarm soon brought out the whole
population, who went to work with almost superhuman energy to combat the
fierce element and to remove valuables to secure places.
From all
the information we can obtain, the fire originated in a small frame
building (two doors south of the American Hotel) occupied by some
colored men as a restaurant, the stove pipe from which passed through
the roof near the side of the Globe Saloon, a building adjoining. It is
the belief that this pipe had become unjointed, and a fire having been
kindled in the stove, the sparks communicated to the Globe Saloon. There
is much difference of opinion on this – some believing it to have
commenced in the saloon and being the work of an incendiary, as the
flames appeared to burst from that building first. But we have learned
nothing to convince us that such was the fact and adhere to our first
conviction, that the fire was accidental, caused by sparks from the
stove pipe of the first mentioned house, which communicated probably to
the saloon first.
From the
place where first seen, the fire spread rapidly on all sides, enveloping
building after building in rapid secession and driving their inmates
forth in haste. The great tongues of flame seemed to lap up the houses
from their very foundations, so soon did they disappear under the
wasting element. But few minutes elapsed before both sides of the street
were in flames, which then ran north and south, with a fury that seemed
to threaten the total annihilation of the town; but fortunately the
walls of the brick houses proved bulwarks that broke the force of the
storm and enabled our citizens to make successful fight against further
destruction. From the American Hotel to Russell’s orchard on the west
side of the street, and from the residence of Wm. McDaniel (opposite
Russell’s) to the Banking House of Hall & Allen on the east side, all
the houses were destroyed. These included Wells, Fargo & Co.’s office,
the Gem Hotel, Vanmater’s Hardware and Tin Store, Crescent Livery
Stable, Lafayette Saloon, Globe Saloon, the old Methodist Church, three
clothing stores, and a large number of other houses, principally
business establishments occupied by whites and Chinese.
For some
time, there was great danger that the fire would pass the American Hotel
(fire proof) in the rear and take Zentmyer’s Livery Stable, and the
Empire and Orleans hotels as the kitchen of the American (a frame
building) was soon upon fire, but at this point, a determined stand was
taken by quite a number of persons who stationed themselves upon the
American and the livery stable, fought with the energy of despair, and
happily conquered the fire being checked within fifteen feet of the
livery stable.
While this
hard work was being done, the houses on the south of the American to the
top of the hill were all destroyed, and the flames had reached down to
the block of brick buildings that line Commercial and Main streets, and
sweeping upward toward the Court House, for a time threatened all that
part of the town by its rapid approach to Wilment’s store. But here more
hard and successful work was done, and the flames now lessening by
reason of the brick walls encountered were stopped within a few feet of
Wilment’s, and the storm of desolation ceased.
The time of
the fire occupied about three-fourths of an hour, the number of houses
destroyed were fifty-eight, exclusive of stables and out-buildings; the
loss was carefully taken amounts to over $119,000. This is a sad
disaster to our prosperous town, and a loss that falls heavily upon many
of our citizens, but they seem to rise superior to their misfortune and
with an energy only known to Californians, have commenced to rear
structures upon the blackened foundations of the old, that will soon
obliterate the marks of misfortune.
Many of the
houses destroyed were occupied by Chinese, some of whom lost very heavy
stocks of goods. One individual alone lost as much as $8,000. The
aggregate loss of the Chinese, as made up by themselves, is $40,000.
This is considered a fair estimate.
The
buildings destroyed were all frame, and many of them, those occupied by
Chinese, of little cost. Unfortunately, their contents were generally
much more valuable. The brick buildings, several of which were severely
tried, and particularly the American Hotel, stood the brunt nobly and
have inspired our citizens with more confidence in their value than
heretofore. The roof of the American was much injured – six or seven
holes being burned through – and many of the iron shutters badly sprung
– that had it not been for Mr. Stephens, the owner of the house,
assisted by a number of others who remained upon the roof and inside
during the whole time the flames were burning upon the walls, the
American would have been lost. As it is, it is damaged some $5,000,
which amount we have been informed has been allowed by the insurance
agency. The center brick block and Hyneman’s brick building sustained
some injuries, but not great.
Before the
embers had cooled, busy preparations began for rebuilding, and before
dark we observed some lumber on the ground ready for the morrow. In
looking over the burned district, we observe that nearly every lot is to
be built upon forthwith, and the busy music of hammer and saw on every
hand gives assurance that Auburn will arise from its ashes larger than
ever in a few short weeks. Several brick buildings are to be erected –
Gillespie & Co. and B. Levy, clothes, have already contracted for fire
proofs to be build forthwith, and others are about making similar
arrangements. Those will be a great security against fire, and render
impossible in the future a desolation so great as the present. [
Submitted By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Placer Herald (Auburn), 3-29-1862
Great Fire at Iowa Hill
The
important town of Iowa Hill has been again devastated by fire. For
particulars of the sad calamity, we are indebted to an extra issue from
the office of the Dutch Flat Inquirer:
We announce
with regret the destruction by fire of our beautiful sister town Iowa
Hill. On yesterday morning at 7 o’clock, the Star Bakery situated on the
north side of Main Street was discovered to be on fire, and before any
assistance of an effectual nature could be rendered, the flames had
attained such headway as to utterly defy every exertion to save the
town. Every business house, together with the theater which had been
purchased for public school purposes, was destroyed; the burnt district
embraces every house but one from the two halls – Mason’s and Odd
Fellow’s – down to within fifty feet of Hill’s Reservoir. We are happy
to learn, however, that the most of the business houses were insured,
which materially lessens the losses, which would have otherwise been
enormous notwithstanding many saved most of their goods by fire-proof
cellars.
The only
signs of the town on the main street are the fire-proof building
occupied by Mr. Hall and cellars, one occupied by the Garity Brothers
and one occupied by Smith & Snitzer, and the two vaults. The houses on
each of the back streets were not injured in the least, being occupied
by families who displayed their liberality and kindness to an eminent
degree by seeking to supply all who had met with misfortune a home. The
fire is supposed to have originated from carelessness of the Chinaman
who was employed at the bakery.
This is the
second time that Iowa Hill has suffered from the destroying element. It
is sad to contemplate the affliction of our friends at this time. Just
having passed through one of the most severe winters ever experienced,
all who depended on their daily exertions stood in need of
accommodations for the necessaries of life and looked to the merchants
for this assistance, which it will now be impossible for most of
business men of that place to render. We learn that but about one fourth
the business portion of the town will be re-built.
There was
no accident to human life attending the fire, but one approached
disagreeable consequences: Mr. Reed in assisting in the cellar of
Rosenberg was so painfully oppressed by the bad air that he was taken
out senseless, but soon recovered upon having the proper restorative
administered. Mr. Ladd also was sensibly affected in a similar manner by
visiting his cellar while in a heated condition, but nothing serious, we
believe, resulted in either case. [ Submitted By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Placer
Herald (Auburn), 10-15-1864
ANOTHER GREAT FIRE IN AUBURN – 35 HOUSES DESTROYED – LOSS AND DAMAGES
OVER $33,000
For the
fourth time in the history of Auburn are we called upon to make the
unwelcome announcement of a destructive conflagration which has laid in
ashes a considerable portion of the town and inflicted serious loss upon
its inhabitants. At 8 o’clock yesterday morning, the cry of fire and the
rapid ringing of the Court House bell told our citizens that the dreaded
element was again at the work of destruction. The fire broke out in a
house occupied by Chinese near the top of the hill on Sacramento Street,
and although the morning was calm with scarcely a breath of air
stirring, it soon became evident that from the compactness of the
buildings on the west side of the street, and the fact that they were
all built of dry, inflammable materials, that none could be saved. These
buildings were generally occupied by Chinese and although the fire made
but slow progress, yet the inefficiency of these people prevented them
from saving many of their effects. For a long time, the fire was
confined to the west side of the street, working down toward the
American Hotel. To check it in that direction, several buildings were
pulled down in order to make a gap that would not be crossed by the
fiery element. This proved useless, however, as the flames enveloped
building after building until they reached the brick walls of the
American that once more (and for the third time in the great
conflagrations in Auburn) proved an effectual barrier. The tongues of
fire twisted and lapped about that devoted house, but its staunch walls
of brick and iron stayed the destroyer in that direction and saved the
buildings that have been erected on the burnt district of last year.
This was not accomplished without considerable work as it was necessary
to pull down the frame and outbuildings attached to the American in
order to save the main structure, Keehner’s saloon and bakery, and
Stanton’s Livery Stable. The number of buildings destroyed on that side
of the street was twenty-five.
For a long
time, it was hoped that the fire would not extend to the east side of
the street, but the heat was so intense and the materials of the
structures so inflammable with no facilities for checking it but by
throwing on water with buckets or spreading wet blankets on the houses,
that ignition could not be prevented, and finally, with the same slow
but certain course the fire communicated to that side and taking one
building after another, threatened to consume the main business portion
of the town. This was the critical moment, and grave apprehensions were
felt for the safety of the whole town. But a sufficient force of men,
after considerable exertion, were collected together to fight the fire
at Levy’s brick building, and after ten minutes of sharp work by forming
lines and passing water rapidly and throwing it upon the right spot, the
fire was checked and further destruction stayed. Ten buildings were
destroyed on the east side of the street, principally occupied by white
persons.
More or
less damage was inflicted upon buildings in the neighborhood of the fire
that were saved in the tearing down of awnings, breaking down doors and
fixtures, and in the hasty removal of goods and effects. Even from the
buildings burned, more goods were saved than has been usual, except
perhaps with the Chinese on account of the slow progress of the fire.
The majority of the houses destroyed were occupied by Chinese, and
several of their merchants have lost heavily. They had no insurance. The
buildings were generally owned by white persons, but that portion
occupied by Chinese were cheap structures.
The
building of Reed & French is the only fireproof destroyed. This was
occupied by Chinese with large stocks of goods. In their fright, they
failed to close the back doors, and in consequence the goods were
destroyed, and the house completely gutted, leaving but the bare walls
standing. Had the Chinese possessed their wits but for a moment, house
and goods would have sustained but little injury.
The origin
of the fire is not known, but is believed to be the work of an
incendiary. Several Chinese merchants here have been quarreling and
litigating for some time; and on Thursday, we are informed, the stock of
goods was attached in the house where the fire started. If this is true,
a rigid scrutiny into the matter should be instituted by the proper
officers. [ Submitted By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Placer Herald (Auburn), 10-1-1869
Todd’s Valley Destroyed by
Fire
It is with
feelings of pain we have to announce the almost total destruction by
fire of the thriving town of Todd’s Valley in this county on Sunday
evening last. The whole business part of the town was destroyed with the
exception of A. A. Pond’s fire-proof brick store building and Masonic
Hall, the fire-proof store of Read & Hall, and a brick butcher shop. We
have not received a list of individual losses, but the aggregate is
estimated at $150,000.
The fire
was undoubtedly the work of a villain who, unfortunately, so far has
escaped the hangman’s noose. The fire started in the Pacific Saloon, a
building in the center of the village that had been unoccupied for some
months.
We
sincerely sympathize with our neighbors of Todd’s Valley in their loss
and fully appreciate the extent of their misfortune; knowing by hard
experience the loss and embarrassment that is entailed upon the citizens
of a town swept away by fire. The incendiary has not yet been
discovered.
[ Submitted
By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Placer Weekly Argus (Auburn), Saturday, 9-13-1873
FIRE AT FOREST HILL
On
Wednesday night about twelve o’clock, a fire was discovered to be in
progress in a small house adjoining the store and dwelling of J.
Schwalenberg at Forest Hill. The alarm was immediately given, but the
fire had got such a start that it was impossible to stay its mad career
until everything within its reach was laid in ashes. Among the buildings
burned was the Blue Wing Saloon, Julius Schwalenberg’s store and
dwelling, Union Hotel, George Eddy’s residence, Andrew Morehead’s
residence, Joseph Dilts’ residence, Dilts & Huffner’s blacksmith shop,
W. C. Smith’s wagon-making shop, L. Remler’s residence, and three or
four vacant houses. The fire made a clean sweep from the store of J. G.
Garrison to the residence of C. Fett. We understand that the property of
Eddy and Schwalenberg was insured, but for what amount we could not
learn. During the fire, the liberty pole which stood in the middle of
the street took fire and was cut down. Fortunately, for the saving of a
large amount of personal property, there were a large number of people
up at the time, a party being in progress at D. Hyland’s house. The fire
is supposed to be the work of an incendiary as the building in which the
fire originated has been vacant for some time. [ Submitted By
Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Placer
Weekly Argus (Auburn), Saturday, 4-25-1874
FIRE AT COLFAX
We give the
following from the Grass Valley Union, April 23d: Yesterday morning at
about half-past nine o’clock, a fire broke out in Colfax and in
twenty-five minutes the main business part of the town and several
family residences were in ashes. The wind was blowing quite strong at
the time from the north-east which carried the flame rapidly from one
house to the other. The fire broke out in a barber shop north of the
railroad and in the east part of the town near the livery stable. All
the buildings on the north side of the railroad were burned up to Grass
Valley Street. The fire extended up Grass Valley Street to Webster’s
residence. The Pioneer House and a large blacksmith and wagon repair
shop on Grass Valley Street were burned. The railroad depot building and
sheds and all south of the railroad were saved. There are no waterworks
in Colfax. We understand that very little of the property destroyed was
insured. We could not get a list of losses for today’s paper. Many
families are left homeless by the fire, and very few residing in the
burnt district had time to save even their clothing. [ Submitted By
Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Roseville
Register, Friday, 7-16-1915
LOOMIS WIPED OUT BY FIRE – Without Fire Department or Water Systems,
Town Is Swept By Fire – ESTIMATED LOSS $60,000 – Citizens Forced to
See Buildings Burn; Could Only Help In Saving Contents
A
disastrous fire destroyed the business section of Loomis, Monday morning
shortly after 3 o’clock. The losers are already making preparations to
rebuild. The loss is estimated at $60,000, partly covered by insurance.
Only two or three business buildings are standing.
The fire
broke out in the kitchen of the home of L. May, a livery stable
proprietor whose dwelling and stable are in one buildings which was in
the southern section of the business district of Loomis. The building
was soon in flames, but several rigs and the horses were saved.
From the
livery stable, the flames spread to the Loomis Hotel owned by Frank
Miseley, a frame building which was soon a mass of ruins. As the town
has no fire-fighting facilities or water system, the citizens were
powerless to prevent the spread of the flames and were only able to
assist in saving the contents of the buildings in the pathway of the
fire.
Following
the destruction of the Loomis Hotel came the burning of the one-story
house owned by F. W. Turner and occupied by C. J. McFall. The fire then
spread to another building owned by Turner in which the post office,
Wells Fargo office, and Turner’s newsstand were located. The inflammable
material in the drug store conducted by C. H. Plaus gave added fury to
the flames. Next were the grocery store of H. M. Branstetter and the
office of Dr. E. Ostrom, both in the same building.
The fire
engine from Roseville arrived too late to be of service in extinguishing
the blaze as it had nearly burnt itself out of material. The large fruit
sheds situated opposite the building in which the fire escaped being
burnt by a change in the wind which carried the flames to the north. No
one was injured in the fire. The guests in the hotel were out of their
rooms before the flames reached the building.
Dr. O. L.
Barton noticed two men running away from the fire. He quickly secured
his revolver and followed them and forced them to give him several
watches and several stick pins which are thought to have been taken from
the Rochdale store. Constable Newton arrested the men who gave the names
of R. Wallenberg and R. Pembroke at Rocklin today. They were taken to
the county jail at Auburn. The men claim they were endeavoring to save
the jewelry and left Loomis because they were advised to do so.
The
principal losses as near as can be given are as follows: Frank Miseley,
hotel, $4000, contents $2000, covered by $2000 insurance; Union Ice
Company, building $1500, ice $500; H. M. Branstetter, building $2500,
stock in store $4000; Barney Mehl, drug store building $2500, partly
insured; C. H. Plaus, stock of drugs $5000, insured for $3000; F. W.
Turner, $5000, insurance not known; B. Miseley, merchant, $6000 on
building and stock valued at $8000; L. May, livery stable $3000, home
$500; Andrew Ryder, Loomis Bank building $3000 with insurance of $1750.
The other
losers are Wells Fargo, United States Post Office, J. Baradoni, butcher
shop; Jim Petch, blacksmith shop; J. Taylor, vacant blacksmith shop;
Swetzer and Norris, fruit house; Pacific State Telephone and Telegraph
Company; C. J. McFall, barber shop, and Dr. Ostrom’s office.
[ Submitted
By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Roseville
Press-Tribune, Monday, 4-30-1973
Munitions
train explodes – Area fires still burning
Another
house in the Antelope area burned to the ground last night in the
aftermath of explosions from a munitions train which shook a 100-mile
area Saturday morning. A spokesman for the Citrus Heights Fire
Department said the house was “down to the ground when we got there.
There’s no one out there to report fires.” Because of bombs and
fragments still lying around, “We went in there to check it out and got
out as fast as we could,” the spokesman for the Fire Department said. He
added it is still not passable into some areas of the disaster-struck
community of Antelope which was virtually destroyed by the blasts.
In the
meantime, the Citrus Heights Fire Department sent a pumper into the area
to relay water to Southern Pacific firefighters who are attempting to
cool down the blast area. Demolition experts said they would return
today to attempt clearing debris and dangerous TNT fragments from the
switching yard where they were driven back by sporadic explosions last
night.
Trains were
running yesterday and being re-routed through the yard around damaged
lines. According to an SP spokesman, as of late last night, no one was
allowed in the damaged yards due to the danger of hidden bombs still
exploding. Stunned residents began returning to their shrapnel-riddled
homes within a mile of the yard last night and were being warned there
was no gas or electricity and were told, “Do not light any fire or drink
any water.”
A series of
explosions that started at approximately 8 AM Saturday rocked the
Roseville area and blew out windows, buckled walls, and toppled fences.
Only 55 persons reported injured, three of which were hospitalized.
There were no deaths reported. Twelve of the injured were SP employees.
“It’s a miracle no one was killed or seriously injured,” an SP spokesman
said.
Investigators said they do not know the cause of the fire that started
in one of 21 boxcars carrying 7,056 Navy Mark 81 “general purpose” bombs
destined for Cambodia. The chain reaction series of blasts began at 7:52
AM, shortly after a brakeman and a car repairman in the yard spotted
smoke in one car of the train and notified the SP Fire Department.
Firemen, however, were unable to reach the scene before the first
explosion.
By their
pinpoint, the explosions started in a car carrying bombs and not a
propane tank car as first reported. Minutes after the first blast in the
munitions cars, one of two non-military propane gas cars exploded,
“blowing fire out several hundred yards around it.” Second later, the
other propane tank car exploded and “threw tons of debris which looked
like the siding of freight cars hundreds of feet in the air.”
The 21
munitions cars, owned by the Department of Defense, started their trip
from the Hawthorne, NV, Naval Base Thursday on an SP branch line. In
Sparks they were switched to a transcontinental 103-car freight, which
arrived in Roseville at 7 AM Saturday. It already had been split into
two sections, having been pushed over the “hump” into tracks away from
the main line when a brakeman and car repairman in the yard spotted
smoke coming from one of the cars and notified SP firefighters.
“I thought
somebody had driven their car through my living room,” Jay Smith, a fork
lift operator, recalled. “Then when I got my head together, I thought it
must be an airplane crash. Then I heard ‘boom-boom-boom-boom’ and I
didn’t know what the hell it was.”
Sacramento
County Sheriff Duane Lowe said residents were permitted to return home
last night because the immediate danger from severe explosions was over,
although secondary blasts could occur. Owners of homes in Grand Oaks
subdivision returned to find caved-in ceilings, warped walls, and
shattered dishes.
Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Bobbitt is one couple who had nothing to return to. They
lived in Antelope. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Nutter, who had a home on Antelope
Road directly across from the blast site, also were left homeless by the
blasts. Their house did not burn but the concussions broke all windows,
blew out doors, knocked down ceiling tiles, and tore plasterboard from
the walls. Remarkably two cars sitting in the yard did not lose their
windows, but Nutter’s car received damage from flying shrapnel.
Bobbitt
said his son Charles, 8, had lost his left eye because of flying glass
from the initial explosion, and that his daughter Candis, 6, had her
right cheek torn off and may lose her right eye. A sheriff’s deputy told
Bobbitt “nothing was left” of their home.
The series
of blasts that continued throughout Saturday and yesterday showered
debris for miles and shook people as far away as Sacramento. “I’d been
in a war before,” said Valentine Ramirez, a Korean War veteran. “I was
in combat but I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Mrs. Chris
Richards was in bed with her year-old baby Ronald when the first bomb
exploded. “I thought it was an airplane that hit the house until I got
outside, and I thought it was an earthquake. Then I started to scream.”
Mrs. Richards and her husband Ronald, a sheet metal worker, returned to
their home last night to find the ceiling collapsed, a door knocked out,
and a wall fallen. “We saved up four years to buy this house,” she
sobbed. “We haven’t even been here a year. We paid $19,800 for it.
They’ll pay. Somebody’s going to pay.”
Sheriff
Lowe estimated the total disaster figure would exceed $2,25 million.
There was no damage to the nearby PFE facilities, which were shut down
after the first explosions occurred Saturday morning. The crew had left
the train and all were accounted for later that afternoon.
Minutes
after the explosions started, doctors and medical corpsmen and
additional military personnel were dispatched from McClellan, the
Presidio in San Francisco, Alameda Naval Air Station, and Hamilton Air
Force Base. Fire departments and ambulances from numerous surrounding
communities responded and set up command headquarters at strategic
locations throughout the area. At first, law enforcement officers
started to set up a command post outside a small food store at 6401
Antelope Road about three quarters of a mile from the blast center, but
plans were abandoned as officers and newsmen retreated through a hail of
shrapnel that spattered the ground around them. The command post was
moved back to the Community Center in Rusch Park about four miles away.
Some
200 National Guard troops of the 1st
Battalion, 184th
Infantry were activated from the Janey Way Armory in Sacramento at 6 PM
to patrol for looters in the evacuated area and damaged business
sections in Roseville and along Auburn Boulevard and to man roadblocks
in support of lawmen. An additional 25 from the 115th
Support Group in Roseville were brought on duty to feed evacuees at the
armory on the Placer County Fairgrounds and other sites.
In the
afternoon, Lt. Gov. Ed Reinecke arrived on the scene to pledge “all the
resources of the state, including the state police and fire marshal’s
office.” He also commended the disaster workers, saying that “not enough
can be said for the brave people who came at once into a situation of
potential danger. They deserve a great deal of respect and gratitude.”
A team of Department of Defense accident
investigators reportedly were dispatched Saturday night from Washington,
DC, to attempt to find the cause of the accident. Also, a helicopter
with infrared camera equipment and heat-sensing devices was dispatched
from Ames Research Institute of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration to survey the wreckage to aid in finding the origin of
the fire. Yesterday morning, a high-flying U-2 spy aircraft was
scheduled to fly over Roseville at 25,000 feet to take high-altitude
photos which will be used in an attempt to estimate damages, which,
according to SP spokesmen, “will run into the millions of dollars.”
[ Submitted By Kathie Kloss Marynik]
Flood in Auburn Ravine
– Great Damage
Rain
commenced falling in this section on Sunday evening last and continued
through the following day into a late hour of Monday night with but
slight intermissions, increasing all the rivulets of water, running in
the small ravines, into foaming torrents. The volume of water that
accumulated in the Auburn Ravine from this cause converted that usually
unimportant water course into a raging stream and resulted in damaging
property to a considerable extent. At the flouring mill of Wagner & Co.
in this place, the water flooded the first floor, upon which was piled a
large number of sacks of superfine flour, completely ruining eighty
sacks as well as a large amount of ground feed. At Banvard’s Hotel,
several bridges over the ravine were carried away; and a Morrison’s a
little lower down, some six hundred feet of stone wall was washed down,
and a portion of the garden with fruit and ornamental trees taken off.
Other damage between Ophir and Gold Hill was done, but the most serious
loss sustained was at the deep flat claims at Oro City. These claims,
four or five in number, have been opened at a heavy cost of time and
money. They are situated near the ravine but are worked much lower than
the ravine bed and are drained by a deep and long ditch. The water broke
through the public road between the ravine and one of the claims,
filling them in succession, and also depositing some eight or ten feet
of dirt for a considerable distance in the drain ditch. The damage done
to these claims is estimated to be from $10,000 to $20,000. Between
Virginia and the Plains, a number of other claims were filled up with
water and dirt, destroying the labor of months and probably rendering it
useless in some instances for the miners to attempt to reopen them. In
addition to the above losses, toms, sluices, lumber, and mining
implements were taken away and strewed along the ravine below in utmost
confusion. The injury to the ranches below is not reported as much –
some panels of fence being the extent. Altogether this has been the most
destructive flood we have ever known in the Auburn Ravine. The
occurrence excited general surprise among the residents below – they not
deeming it possible so much water could accumulate in so short a season
of rain.
Placer
Herald (Auburn), Saturday, 3-26-1859
Submitted by K. Marynik
Another Great Storm and Flood
The
heavy fall of snow of Sunday last was succeeded by a warm rain on
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday that raised the rivers to an
unprecedented height and has undoubtedly proven more calamitous than the
great flood of the 9th
December. At this writing, we are cut off from communication with the
country to the north and east and Sacramento and, with the exception of
a limited region, can only surmise the extent of the disaster. On the
North Fork of the American, the bridge of Messrs Hall & Allen (that
withstood the first freshet) was swept away Friday morning, together
with the toll house and other buildings. This bridge was a short
distance above the North and Middle Forks, and the water rose four feet
higher at its location than on the 9th
of December. The bridge was the only remaining link of communication
with the upper and lower portions of Placer County, and the loss and
inconvenience to the people of Forest Hill, Michigan Bluff, and other
large communities on the “Divide” will be very great. The people could
better afford today to pay double the customary tolls over the bridge
than have it swept away. The Middle Fork was no doubt higher than before
as large quantities of drift ran out, as well as houses, furniture, etc.
Below the junction, a billiard table was seen going down stream
yesterday that must have come from the Middle Fork. At Oregon Bar below
the junction, the river rose ten or twelve feet higher than at the first
flood. The wire suspension bridge at Condemned Bar, supposed to be above
the highest water, is gone. Kinsey & Thompson’s wire suspension bridge
at Folsom was also carried away. Coover & Stocktoh’s fine flouring mills
near Folsom were completely demolished, and it is reported that not a
vestige of that fine property is left. During yesterday afternoon, the
water was within eight feet of the Folsom Railroad Bridge and although
the river was rising, the structure was considered out of danger.
Norris’ bridge over the American near Sacramento is reported gone. A
telegram from Coloma yesterday made the South Fork of the American three
feet higher than before and that the bridge was gone. We have a rumor
that the water was six or eight feet deep in Sacramento Friday morning.
There can be no doubt that the city is submerged, as the American
continued to rise throughout the day, and the constant rain of last
night must have prevented a diminution of the torrent. Being without
stage communication with any point, we can only conjecture the alarming
extent of this great calamity; but we fear when the tale is told, it
will be a sorrowful one for our late prosperous State.
Placer
Herald (Auburn), Saturday, 1-11-1862
Submitted by K. Marynik
|
