The Goldendale Sentinel., Goldendale, WA., August 2, 1928, page 1
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT KLICKITAT SUNDAY
An early morning fire at Klickitat last Sunday morning,
for a time threatened the destruction of a major portion of the business
section, as well as the residence section between the depot and the Klickitat
river. As it was, a loss was sustained that has been estimated in a press
dispatch of upward of $20,000.
Sunday morning shortly before six o'clock, Mrs. W.C.
Hubbard noticed smoke in a woodshed in back of the restaurant building. She
called Mr. Hubbard, who tried with a garden hose to subdue the blaze, without
effect, as the water pressure was low and the hose would not reach far enough.
The flames spread rapidly and soon the dry adjacent business structures were
a mass of flames.
Last year a new water system was built at Klickitat,
supplementing the old system. For some reason, no connection had been made
between the two systems. The old system is supplied by an electric pump,
which failed twice during the fire, necessitating delays, which caused so
much spread of the fire. The two systems were hooked up together before the
fire was over.
It was through the untiring efforts of the citizens that
the fire did not cover a greater area. Postmaster W.C. Hubbard's residence
and garage were scorched, but not burned. A quantity of furniture was damaged
in removing from the house. The Briggs and Norris home likewise suffered
from the heat. The building and property loss has been estimated as follows.
Peterson pool hall, $6,000; Home cafe, $1000; Brown barber shop, $150; White
dance hall, $8000; Peterson residence, $2000; Stoll residence, $700; two
Neils Lumber company buildings, $1800, and several outbuildings, with the
blaze originated.
It is understood the greater part of the business houses
will be rebuilt soon. Fortunately most of the loss is covered by adequate
insurance. We learned a Mrs. Lennon, who operated the restaurants, did not
have any insurance, and her loss will exceed $2000. Martin Millsap fell with
a hose while on a ladder, injuring himself internally. He is somewhat recovered.
About 150 men who boarded at the restaurant, are being fed by residents in
their homes until arrangements can be made to open up a restaurant. There
is a vacant building belonging to the J. Neils Lumber Co. that is available
for this purpose. The origin of the fire is unknown, although it is thought
to have been due to carelessness.
[HOME]
© Jeffrey L. Elmer