Show almost destroyed by fire conflagration started by incendiaries but little insurance people discouraged cou raged and the town practically ruined north enid okla sept 17 fire destroyed last night all that has been accomplished in this town the past year at 2 a m the columbia drug store and kirk and establishments were found abbage A wind was blowing from the northwest the city haa no fire apparatus ane flames were foucht inch by inch with buckets the flesh of the brave fighters being blistered in he work the sudden shifting tinK of the wind to the northwest saved the city from entire destruction before the flames were under control however the Ar lincton hotel just completed by william at a cost of was a total loss forty guests barely escaped with their lives none savins any wearing apparel whatever the kirk and casgrain Cos grain house the columbia drug store F W furniture house J S connells dry goods and gro cercy store buildings of thompson stephenson and greer and W J brown were wiped out there was practically no insurance F S kirk was tak en out of his house unconscious and 0 N whitaker editor of the tribune fell exhausted almost in the flame but was quickly rescued by brave friends the origin of tbs fire was incendiary rev Pric nett livine in the south part of the city rushed to his door alien the fire alarm was sounder end saw three riding rapidly southward along an unused road the fire is a terrible blow to the town and unless the railroad does something lo 10 encourage the people it will be impossible to keep them here |