USA > Indiana > Allen County > Fort Wayne > History of the Fort Wayne Fire Department : extracts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, newspapers > Part 12
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The Fort Wayne department after going as far as the depot returned, having been notified by telegraph that their services would not be required.
1059
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 02/09/1881
Page 4, Col. 2.
Frank Vogel and his men cleared the ice and melted snow from the sidewalk with the hose attached to the Lowry hydrant. Some unwary pedestrians got a bath greatly to the amusement of the "b'hoys."
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 02/22/1881
Page 4, Col. 3.
Yesterday afternoon at 6:15 o'clock, Ed. McElfatrick and John Porter discovered flames issuing from the ramshackle old building, No. 46 West Main street, occupied as a wagon and blacksmith shop by P. J. Cosgrave. The young gentlemen broke in the back door and proceeded to throw water on the flames. Deputy Sheriff DeGroff Nelson, who was passing, notified the fire department, who were quickly upon the scene. The conflagration was occasioned by a too liberal supply of fuel in the stove. A hole was cut in the roof, and considerable plastering knocked down. The loss will be about $25. No insurance.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 03/03/1881
Page 4, Col. 2.
The saw mill and factory of Phil Willetts, at Antioch, was destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The loss on building and stock will aggrerate about $8,000. Partially insured.
1060
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 03/04/1881
Page 4, Col. 3.
At about 6:30 last evening the fire department were called to extinguish a small blaze in the Mayer House laundry, which at its inception threatened a conflagration of more or less formidable proportions. The fire originated from an over-heated stove in the dry room. The roof of the laundry was burned to the extent of about $25. There is insurance. One of the firemen named Johnson, narrowly escaped death. He was connecting the hose with the hydrant, when the engine came dashing upon him unawares, and failed to take his head off by only a hair's breadth.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 03/08/1881
Page 4, Col. 1 & 2.
A small blaze in the residence of Jos. Lindman, on Clinton street, occasioned a moderate amount of excitement. The damage was slight.
A brick barn belonging to Mr. Oscar Simons, three miles southwest of the city, was destroyed by fire last evening. The illumination of the sky was visible in this city. Of course the fire department could render no assistance.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday
03/09/1881
Page 4, Col. 2.
Mr. Oscar Simons estimates his loss on the barn burned Monday night, to be fully $7,000, of which $5,500 is on the structure and $1,500 on contents. There was but $3,000 insurance in the Watertown, of New York.
The fire department were called to Bloomingdale yesterday morning, by an alarm from box 12, on the corner of Third and Wells. A chimney in the house of George Strodel burned out with no loss, and the services of the firemen were not required.
1061
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 03/16/1881
Page 4, Col. 2.
The fire department has a new set of gongs and automatic bells. They were made by the National Fire Alarm Company of Boston, at a very considerable cost.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 03/16/1881. Page 4, Col. 4.
WHY IS THIS THUS?
The fire committee of the council are investigating into certain alleged peculiar transactions on the part of the chief of the fire department. It is affirmed that Mr. Vogel has drawn the pay of two former members of the department while they had no connection therewith. The names of these men are Emmett Dunfee and Fred Pohlmeyer. Dunfee left the employ of the department in October last, and is now employed at Old's spoke factory. Yet we find in the stub-book of receipts for monies paid out to city employes by Clerk Trentman, the following receipts; No. 1366, E. Dunfee $10.00, receipted by himself per F. B. Vogel, December 1, in full for November salary; No. 136, E. Dunfee, $10, receipted Dec. 31 for December salary, per F. B. Vogel; No. 290, E. Dunfee, $10, receipted Feb. 1 for January salary, per F. B. Vogel. Pohlmeyer has also drawn salary, per Vogel, for several months during which he is known to have had no definite connection with the department. This matter is certainly peculiar, and it is proper that the public should have some explanation from Mr. Vogel which will place him in a less unpleasant light. Doubtless he can, if he will, explain. No fault has been found with his conduct of the department hitherto, to which he has brought energy and ability of no common order.
Mr. Frank Vogel was found at a late hour last night, and he pronounced the statement that his actions were open to question, false. He said that Dunfee was discharged January 3rd, last, and that Pohlmeyer was also discharged March 9th, for failure to attend to his duties. He claims everything is right, and gives as reason for drawing the pay of the two men himself, the fact that they owed him money and this was the only method of securing it. It is to be trusted that Mr. Vogel's version of the matter is the correct one. We only give publicity to the charge against him without affirming that he did not act in a justifiable manner. He pronounces the affair as trumped up by personal enemies.
1062
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 03/17/1881
Page 4, Col. 2 & 5.
The old fire gong in the engine house will be removed to the water works building to- morrow. The new indicator connects with the court house bell and rings it whenever an alarm comes in. Mr. Vogel is very proud of the new apparatus.
THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Frank Vogel, chief engineer of the fire department, regarding the article in our issue of yesterday morning, which created a profound sensation, says he courts an investigation of his books will be made by the fire committee. Emmett Dunfee, whose pay Mr. Vogel is alleged to have drawn without authorization and after Dunfee had left the employ of the city, was seen yesterday and stated that he had handed his resignation to Mr. Fred Michael's, foreman of No. 2, and which took effect Nov. 1, 1880; that he was not discharged, but voluntarily left the department because his business prevented his regular attendance upon duty; that if he owes Mr. Vogel money, he has never been favored with a bill of the amount; that he never authorized the chief to draw his pay; and his first intimation that salary had been drawn in his name after he left the department was from Mr. McCulloch, chairman of the fire committee who a week or so ago questioned him as to the matter.
We state these facts injustice to Mr. Dunfee who occupies a responsible position and was placed in a somewhat unpleasant attitude. The effect of his statement upon the case is to throw even more light upon it than before.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday
03/23/1881
Page 4, Col. 2.
The fire department had to go to the corner of Calhoun and Columbia streets last night in response to an alarm from box 5. The trouble was found to be in a burning chimney between Hamilton's photograph gallery and C. M. Goodman's saloon. A slight stream was turned on, Chief Vogel procured a bag of salt and soon the adjoining premises were out of danger. The inside of the chimney was a glowing mass of burning soot and pitch. A large crowd gathered and were gently played upon by a hose in the hands of the firemen who relish an innocent joke as well as anybody.
1063
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 03/25/1881
Page 4, Col. 2.
Last evening, shortly before eight, the fire department were summoned to Wagner's drug store, on Calhoun street. A fire broke out under the sidewalk, probably through the carelessness of somebody who dropped a lighted match. A barrel of benzine caught fire and the blaze thereof shot up through the coal hole in the sidewalk in a manner truly alarming. The cellar was filled with inflammables, and it is lucky that the flames did not penetrate thereto. Mr. Wagner estimates his loss at about $50.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 04/05/1881
Page 5, Col. 1.
The following gentlemen are ambitions to direct the fire department of our city in the capacity of chief engineer: F. B. Vogel, present incumbent; Philip Lindlag, Clark Slocum, and Charles Comparet.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 04/16/1881
Page 5, Col 2.
A fire yesterday in the Keystone block came very nearly developing into an alarming conflagration. A stove in one of the rooms, threw forth a spark which set fire to the carpet, nearly ruining it. The timely arrival of the occupant of the room prevented any further damage.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 04/17/1881
Page 5, Col. 1.
Chief Vogel will give an exhibition of the workings of the fire department in a few days. The affair will be a formal test of the new water facilities.
1064 -
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 04/20/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
The department were called by an alarm from box 13 to High street, yesterday afternoon, at 6 o'clock, where a partition in the residence of Mrs. Heldt caught fire from a defective chimney. The blaze was quickly extinguished.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 04/21/1881 Page 5, Col. 2.
Yesterday morning a fire broke out at Hicksville, Ohio, on the corner of Main and High streets, destroying the building occupied by Foote & Co. as a family grocery and bakery, and G. K. Otis agricultural implement store, Goller's shoe store and Bilderbeck's harness shop. All fully insured. A brick block will be immediately put up on the property, which is the best business in the town.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 04/22/1881 Page 5, Col. 2.
Mr. F. B. Vogel, chief of the fire department, claims that the attack upon him in last night's News under the signature of "Hans" was entirely uncalled for. While he does not object to his official record being attacked, he does not consider it manly or just to abuse his financial standing or attack his private character under a nom de plume. He proposes to make things warm for the writer of the article.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday 04/26/1881 Page 5, Col. 3.
A fire on Friday night at Bluffton destroyed the stables belonging to J. E. McKindry & Son's wood working establishment. A large amount of stored machinery, hay, grain, vehicles and three head of horses were burned. The fire is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary. Loss about $1,300. Insurance not known.
Last Friday night a fire, which might have been extensive, occurred at the dry goods establishment of A. Mergentheim & Co. Some lace illusion was draped over a gas fixture in the millinery department and caught fire there from, communicating to trimmings and artificial flowers. Some traveling men who were present assisted in the extinguishment of the blaze. The loss was about $30.
1065
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 04/28/1881 Page 5, Col. 3.
A LOGANSPORT BLAZE.
The following account of a fire last Tuesday night in Logansport is taken from the Journal. The property is owned by the Hamilton estate of this city:
about 10 o'clock last night a fire broke out on the north side of Broadway in the row of old buildings that are located about one-half way between the canal and Sixth street. The immediate origin of the blaze was in the rear of the building occupied by Barnett Brothers as a butcher shop. The light material composing the building burned like a tinder, and the fire spread rapidly. An alarm was turned in from box 32 at the corner of Sixth and Broadway. The department responded promptly, and after a half hour's work succeeded in extinguishing the last spark. The loss is not as great as would appear at first sight. The buildings are old shells of little value, mere relics of the long ago. Two of these buildings the ones occupied by Barnett Brothers and Miss Haley are probably total wrecks. In the rear of the former were stored some agricultural implements which were only slightly damaged. Miss Haley's stock of millionery goods, as soon as it was seen that the building must go, was removed to Connelly's grocery store and the cigar store of A. Kutz. A portion of Miss. H's goods in the rear of the room was destroyed, but the bulk was removed with little or no damage. The loss of Miss. Halley will not exceed $100. The insurance upon her goods expired Monday.
The building occupied as a bakery by Mr. Freshour on the east and that occupied by Gripe's photograph gallery on the west were both damaged, though nor seriously. The total loss will probably not exceed $400.
That the fire was incendiary was proven by the discovery of an old skillet filled with half consumed rags and hair mattress material near where the fire must have started.
The fire created intense excitement and probably not less than eight hundred people were present looking on and giving orders as to how the fire should be put out. So far as the Journal scribe was able to learn the buildings were owned by the occupants. The ground is owned by the Hamilton estate of Fort Wayne.
PAPER UNKNOWN 04/29/1881
* Godfrey home on Bluffton Road - Fire.
1066
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 05/01/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
Frank Vogel has been climbing telegraph poles and performing other wonderful acrobatic feats. To-day he is quite "broken up" and prefers to set down rather than to walk.
On Friday, the Godfrey residence on the Bluffton road caught fire. Several feet of roofing were destroyed before the blaze could be extinguished. Only by the utmost exertions was the structure saved.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Tuesday
05/03/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
James Keegan, we are informed, will be a candidate for chief of the fire department. Clark Slocum is understood to have withdrawn from the race.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday
05/04/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
The fire department was called out yesterday morning to extinguish a fire in the attic of the building on Barr street, known as Lafayette hall. A well directed stream did the work.
1067
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 05/07/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
We are informed that C. W. Comparet and Phil Lindlag, candidates for the position of chief engineer of the fire department, have withdrawn from the field.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 05/07/1881 Page 5, Col. 5.
WANTS VOGEL RETAINED.
To the editor of the Gazette.
If there is any appointment in the power of our city council that should be held aloof from pot house political wire-pulling and trading, it is that of chief engineer of the city fire department, a part of our city organization in which every humble resident and householder is deeply interested. It has always been with pleasure and pride that our people have pointed to our splendid department, which is well known all over this country as being the best and most economically managed in the west. Then we are referred to the fire losses during the past ten years, which we are assured are the very smallest recorded against any city of our size.
Were the appointment of chief engineer of our city left with the people, there would be no question of Mr. Frank Vogel's chances, were the proprietors of our vast manufacturing establishments, business blocks, mercantile houses to decide this question. Can any sane man doubt their choice ? Citizens, we urge you to impress this grave question upon the minds of your representatives, your councilmen. Let your motto be, "Vigilance" PHOENIX.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Sunday 05/08/1881
Page 5, Col. 2.
Phil Lindlag desires us to say that he assuredly will be a candidate for chief of the fire department. Phil is a popular and competent young gentleman, but we fear he will not supercede Mr. Vogel, who brings to the race long experience, not to mention capability.
1068
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 05/11/1881 Page 5, Col. 2.
A barn and contents near Van Wert, O., belonging to Wm. E. Williams, was destroyed by fire a few days ago, resulting in a loss of about $300. Mr. Williams the owner, is the father of John W. Williams, of this city.
The test of the water works is this afternoon. Chief Vogel will conduct the arrangements, which will be completed this morning. The affair will come off about the engine house, and will be witnessed, officially, by our somewhat common council.
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Thursday 05/12/1881 Page 5, Col. 1 & 2.
The fire department were called about 6 o'clock last evening to extinguish a burning chimney upon the residence of Dr. C. B. Stemen, 261 West Wayne street. The fire caught from an overheated stove in the kitchen. There was no loss.
On the way to the Stemen alarm yesterday the bounding hose cart ran into Judge Morris' buggy, making a complete wreck thereof. Justice Pratt who was in another carriage jumped to the relief of the wrecked one and in doing severely sprained his ankle.
There was much fun at the water works test yesterday. Several firemen became tangled up on the hose, and a number of the bystanders had their hats neatly and expeditiously knocked from their shoulders. One of the firemen received a stream in his right eye, which is considerably discolored.
After the hose-cart had devasted the Morris buggy yesterday, a little daughter of the judge rushed out and grasped the bridle of the horse who was knocked off his pins and lay upon his side in the road. The frightened animal re-assured by the caresses of the brave little girl, speedily recovered his normal condition.
1069
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Friday 05/13/1881
Page 5, Col. 3.
THE FIRE AT BASS' FOUNDRY.
Last evening, about 7:30 o'clock, an alarm of fire was sent in from the Bass foundry. The department were speedily on hand, but their services were not needed, as the fire had been extinguished previously by the watchman and assistants. The fire was located in the extreme eastern cupola, where a blaze broke out some time ago with more or less disastrous effect. As in the former instance, the conflagration was produced by an overheated furnace. The loss is trifling, a portion of the roof of the cupola having been burnt. Mr. J. H. Bass informs us that the expense of repair will be but a few dollars. Due precaution will be taken against a recurrence.
-
1070
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Wednesday 05/18/1881 Page 5, Col. 3.
AGAIN IN ASHES.
THE ILL-FATED BIJOU THEATRE BURNED - A TOTAL LOSS- THE POOR PERFORMERS SUFFER TO A HEAVY EXTENT - THE FIRE THE WORK OF INCENDIARIES.
Yesterday about 5:30 p.m., smoke and finally flames were noticed proceeding from the Bijou theatre. John B. Monning and John A. Scott were the first to notice the conflagration, and both immediately telephoned the department. When the engines arrived on the scene, a few minutes later, the structure was all ablaze, and volumes of black smoke, intermingled with fiery sparks, poured from the ill-fated building. The interior of a theatre is necessarily a tinder box and the fire department, though they worked with a will under the direction of Chief Engineer Vogel, could accomplish little. Seven streams connected with heavy hydrants were turned on the building's exterior and interior and for two hours the firemen held briskly to their work, but their efforts were unavailing. We have witnessed many conflagrations but never one in which the devouring element so utterly held supremacy as in this case. The facts all go to show that the fire was a case of incendiarism, as the flames first bursting from the "flies" over the stage communicated to every portion of the building in a few seconds conclusively proving that arrangements had been made to this end by depositing inflammable material about the house. A Gazette reporter as soon the flames were sufficiently checked, entered the building and prodded about among the debris. His searches were rewarded by finding a ball of rags saturated with kerosene, and partially consumed. Just then a sardonic fire sharp playfully turned a hose upon the venturesome reporter who, dropping his discovery, fled for the exit, wet and disgusted.
The interior of the theatre is completely gutted. The flames did not reach the bar-room, or the manager's office, and much of the furniture and fixtures of these apartments were saved, including a desk containing the books, of course very wet, and the entire stock of liquor. A large number of cigars were not gotten out, and their fragrance was wasted. The auditorium as viewed from the dismantled stage presented a very blackened and unsightly appearance. Everything inflammable was a prey to the flames, and nothing escaped. The scenery and curtain are entirely consumed. Chief Vogel estimates the loss on the building as $3,000. The insurance is as follows: Liverpool, London and Globe, two policies of $1,500 each; Hartford, $2,500. Of the former company S. C. Lumbard is agent and of the latter, F. P. Randall. The policies on building now amount to $4,823.50.
The bijou theatre has experienced many vicissitudes. Erected in 1878, it was opened under the management of William Earl, now a railway engineer. Charles Bartine and W. H. Morris were successive managers, and their careers were each brief and unprofitable. Under R. L. Smith's management the theatre prospered until February 4, last, when a small fire and a great deal of water stopped the performances for a time. Manager Smith, who is personally popular, and is moreover a shrewd and energetic manager, is to be sympathized with in the hard luck which has befallen him, but may rely upon many a helping hand.
NOTES.
C. H. Yale, stage manages, loses a wardrobe valued at $ 600, including many pantomine
1071
and burlesque dresses. He fortunately removed some valuable music from the theatre to his hotel but a day or two previous.
Tilly Graham, a serio-comic, was here at the last fire. She made a remark in her dressing-room, Monday evening, to the effect that she wondered whether her effects would be safe if left at the theatre. Tilly is not the "Jonah" of the theatre.
A man was overheard to say on the street during the fire: "This is the last of the Bijou; we have gained our point." Miss Fanny Smith was informed of the remark and with difficulty could be restrained from following the man and giving him into custody.
R. L. Smith, the lessee, had no insurance. He loses his all. Mrs. Smith loses her valuable wardrobe.
Lou H. Smith, bar-tender, was on duty at the time of the fire.
Noll & Bro., the Clinton street boot and shoe men, suffered loss in having the glass in their doors and windows demolished by the heat. Some of their stock was also slightly damaged by water.
Shober, while prospecting within the ruined theatre was knocked down by a stream from a hose. His dignity was more or less ruffled and his plumage dampened.
Several bad fissures are noticeable in the rear wall of the theatre.
A festive fireman played upon Geo. Ely with a hose, and George had to go home and effect a change of raiment.
Al Decker, stage manager, loses his wardrobe, valued at $300; Roselle female impersonator, his entire stage and street wardrobe even to the last change of linen, valued at $500; Gibson and Binney, cloggists, their wardrobe worth $200; Grace Monroe, serio-comic, is out $80; George Brungman loses a $75 cornet; J. M. Winans, leader of orchestra, a lot of music having rescued his cornet valued at $75.
Tilly Graham, Dolly Foster, Ada Burnett and other lady performers lose their all. May Raymond's wardrobe was saved.
A piano belonging to T. P. Anderson was utterly ruined.
J. Nutting, of the Ewing estate, ruined a new Prince Albert coat while on a tour of inspection about the ruins.
Ben Lytle, janitor of the theatre, was asleep in the gallery when the fire broke out. He was awakened by a little dog, his usual companion, which bit the sleeping man on the ear.
The salaries of all the people employed about the theatre, including performers, were paid yesterday.
Arrangements have been made with H. S. Mensch for the burned out company to show at the Academy, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. The Volks Garden entertainments will be continued.
A purse will be raised for the benefit of the unfortunate Manager Smith by his numerous friends.
That the burning of the theatre is to be laid to the incendiaries and experts at that, can no longer be doubted. Marshal Falker suspects two boys employed about the theatre, and is watching for evidence to arrest them. They would have been taken in last night but for good reasons. They both had money and avowed their intention of leaving for Chicago last night on the midnight train, but did not go, probably because they were watched by the officers. More light may be thrown upon this mysterious affair to-day.
1072
FORT WAYNE DAILY GAZETTE Saturday 05/21/1881
Page 5, Col. 3.
A YOUTHFUL FIRE BUG.
DENNIS BOWERS, A "FLY" CHICAGO KID ARRESTED FOR SETTING FIRE TO THE BIJOU THEATRE.
Last evening, Officer Peter Owens arrested Dennis Bowers, a lad of about sixteen, who was locked up in the calaboose on the serious charge of arson, his particular offence being that of having set fire to the Bijou theatre. It is claimed that young Bowers stated to three or four bootblacks and street gamins that he had set fire to the Bijou. To one, Delano, he said that he had accomplished his purpose by smearing the scenery with coal oil and igniting it with a match. He said also that he was given $10 to do the job by a saloon keeper, whose name he did not reveal. To other street boys, including the colored lad, Massey, "Mickey" Mc Veigh, Tom Epps and others, he made similar statements, stating also that he was an old hand at the business, and to burn a barn occasionally was only a pastime. Geo. Bringman, treasurer of the Bijou last evening identified the lad as one who with a pal, hung about the theatre the afternoon of the fire until ordered away. Ben. Lytle, the janitor of the theatre, also identified young Bowers as the boy whom he (Lytle) fired from the stage of the theatre the afternoon of fire. Bowers was loafing about, contrary to the rules of the house, and his actions were very suspicious.
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