Conway was visited by another disastrous fire Monday afternoon, this being the second conflagration within a month. Three business houses were wiped out entirely entailing a loss of $30,000.00. Some insurance was carried in each case but not enough to cover the damage sustained.
The fire started in the basement of the Conway Hardware company and spread rapidly. Two neighboring buildings were soon burning and as the task of curbing the flames proved too great for the small army of men and women who were exerting all their energies toward securing water and saving stock, a call for help was sent to nearby towns, the Bedford fire company making a record run in automobiles, covering the ten miles in 15 minutes. The big fire engine was pulled by a motor truck and arrived in just 45 minutes.
As soon as the local boys arrived, they took steps to save other buildings threatened and soon had the blaze under control, relieving the worn out workers who had struggled valiantly against big odds earlier in the game.
The other two buildings destroyed were Bates & Piper general store and John Dant, poultry, butter and eggs.
Conway has had more than her share of fires the past month and it is hoped that the proverbial third will not materialize.
From the Bedford Times Republican of 9 August, 1917
No comments:
Post a Comment