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Show 31 dDdD Y eaiirg Ago TTdDtiaiy Arson suspected as fire consumes Catholic Church by Bettina Moench Dooley The editor of the Park Mining Record bristled with rage as he tapped out the headline story in the July 5, 1884 edition: A WEEK OF FIRES SEVERAL ATTEMPTS MADE TO BURN THE TOWN Four fires in just one week had put Parkites' nerves on edge. After all, the town was built almost entirely of wood, and the numerous buildings stood shoulder to shoulder like a motley group of soldiers, with little room in between to douse the flames that might well consume the entire city. The most serious of the fires began on the west end of St. Mary's Catholic Church and school, and before the alarm could be sounded, the entire wing of the building was in flames. Volunteers galloped to the scene in the horse-drawn hose carriage, but then watched in desperation as the hose burst three times before a stream of water could be aimed at the building. With sickening speed, the wind carried the flames to a home to the north of the church, but volunteers managed to smother it before it travelled even further down the street. By the time the last embers were doused, nearly the entire building was lost, with damages estimated at $4,000. The insurance to cover the damages amounted to less than half of that. But with typical optimism, plans were made to begin rebuilding within three weeks, and the Park Mining Record noted that the choice of building materials would be wood. ...and possibly brick. The cause of the St. Mary's fire was in doubt, and the Record reported that several stories were circulating about the circumstances. One rumor held that several boys had built a fire in back of the church so that they could ignite firecrackers, another that it was started by an incendiary device. Said the Record: "If the work of fire fiends, it was certainly intended to take the whole town, as there was a strong south-west wind." The other fires had caused panic earlier in the week, and included a residence, where it appeared a candle had been accidentally knocked knock-ed onto bedding. Before the fire department could render assistance, the whole building had been lost. But the other two fires were no accident, according to the Record. A saloon owned by Stratton & Capen was apparently set afire. Fortunately the blaze died on its own, and the owners didn't discover the attempted attempt-ed arson until the next morning. The following evening, an attempt was made to burn the Marsac mill, and while the south end of the building appeared to be burning uncontrollably, uncontroll-ably, fire-fighters managed to extinguish it before extensive damage was done. The Record suggested that "While several of the fires were probably accidental, there exists among the people a feeling that some desperate wretches are endeavoring to fire the town. The result, if anyone is caught in the act, can be easily surmised, as the distance between the high altitude and eternity is but a span. Everyone is thoroughly aroused over the incendiary work." The Record registered concern that while an effort had been made over the past week to organize hook and ladder and hose companies, more work needed to be done. It recommended that the Community Council provide a team for the hose carriage, buy a hook and ladder truck and team, purchase additional hose, and build a small building to house the equipment. In addition, the Record called for the organization of a company of fire police, who would be responsible for stretching ropes to keep crowds at bay at the scene of a fire. "With such a department, no fire can do any very serious damage in Park City," the Record stated confidently. On a June night in 1898, more than 200 businesses and homes were destroyed in a massive fire that swept Main Street, leaving 500 people homeless and causing damages dama-ges in excess of $1 million. History books simply refer to it as "the Great Fire of 1898." |
