THE REPUBLICAN

August 28, 1884

 

Fire Again

 

            The peacefully slumbering inhabitants of our quiet burg were again startled from their dreams at 2 o’clock on Monday night, by the wild ringing of the fire alarm bell, and for the third time within eight weeks it was found that property belonging to Mr. George Hansen had become a prey of the consuming element.  This time it proved to be the building adjoining the bowling alley on the west side, which Mr. Hansen purchased of H. C. Mumbrue a short time ago.  It was occupied by Peter Peterson, who has been carrying on the saloon business in it for some time.  How the fire caught no one knows, the different rumors that were around being only theories.  The fire had made considerable headway before it was noticed, but as soon as the alarm was given the fire department was promptly at hand and worked hard to save what goods they could. Through their strenuous efforts the bowling alley, which was several times on fire, and perhaps some of the principal blocks on Main street, were saved.

            The heaviest loss is that of Mr. H. C. Mumbrue, who had about $1500 worth of furniture, clothes and book stored in one part of the building.  His clothes and books were all burned and only a small part of the furniture was saved.  He had only $500 insurance on it.  The insurance on Mr. Hansen’s building was $900, and on the stock in the saloon $400.  How much stock there was in the saloon the writer could not ascertain.  It was entirely destroyed.  A small building belonging to Peter Keffner was also burned, but was well covered by insurance.