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Ontario Archives, Microfilm N-344, R-5P
Glencoe Transcript, November 1, 1888
Destructive Fire at Wardsville.
Foundry and Hotel Burned.
About half-past three o’clock yesterday afternoon a telegram was received from Wardsville stating that the village was burning, asking for assistance. The fire alarm was rung and in a short time teams were in readiness from McMillan & McLean’s livery and the fire engine and hose reel, accompanied by a number of men were on the road to render aid. The run of 8 miles to Wardsville was made in 55 minutes. Arriving at the scene it was found that the fire had been got under control after destroying the foundry and machine shop of Henderson Bros. And the Marshall house occupied by J. Wilson. The firemen soon had the hose laid and a smart stream playing on the ruins of the buildings, putting the fire down so as to ensure no further damage.
The First Intimation.
About 3 o’clock p.m., while the workmen in the foundry were engaged in running a heat, fire was noticed in the belfry, and in a short time the whole building was a mass of flames, barely giving the workmen time to escape and save the till which contained $300 in cash, besides over 500 notes of different values. As one of the men was leaving the office he closed the door of the safe, which contained the books of the firm, but as this had not been opened at the time our reporter left he could not ascertain in what state they were.
From the foundry the fire leaped across a small alley and caught in the roof of the Marshall House, which was also totally destroyed, although the furniture was saved.
The fire was over in about three-quarters of an hour from its commencement. The furniture was all removed from the buildings adjoining and was considerably damaged. Great difficulty was experienced in saving these buildings, and several of them were badly scorched. A strong wind prevailed and blew the sparks from the fire over the principal part of the village, and the roof of Cady’s hotel and of several other buildings for a distance of two blocks took fire repeatedly. Fortunately the wind calmed down or no doubt the principal part of the village would have been destroyed
The Losses.
The Messrs. Henderson Bros. will lose heavily, as there was no insurance on their property. All their patterns, valued at about $3,000 were destroyed, besides 80 plows, 40 corn-shellers, 20 fanning mills and other completed work. The building was valued at $1,200 and the plant at $3,000.
The Marshall House belonged to the estate of Alexander Fair, of Brantford and was valued at $1,000. Insured in the Glasgow & London for $600. Mr. Wilson saved all his furniture, but it was considerably damaged in removal.
Cause of the Fire.
The fire was caused by sparks from the cupola alighting in the belfry. Several times before fire caught in the same place while the workmen were engaged in casting, and as a precaution yesterday a man was placed on the roof and two on the ground to keep watch. The man on the roof noticed the fire when it started, and got down to get a pail of water, but he no sooner reached the ground than the flames burst out and were beyond control.
The foundry was built about 30 years ago and was one of the most prominent industries of the place. Its destruction will be a serious loss to Wardsville as well as to Messrs. Henderson.
After the Fire.
The Glencoe firemen were invited to Cady’s hotel, where they were entertained to supper by prominent citizens. Short addresses were made, thanking the firemen for their promptness in offering their services in the hour of misfortune. Mr. Foster replied on behalf of the firemen.
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