This report appeared in the January 19, 1899, Times. A copy of the original is available on microfilm #P77-1280 (spanning issues from 1895 to 1899) at the State Historical Society library in Madison. In the transcription, typographical and other errors are reproduced as published.
THE BRANDON TIMES
Brandon, Wisconsin
OLD HOTEL BURNS
The town people were hustled out Sunday morning to watch an old land mark go up in smoke and ashes. About 2 o'clock or a little later, fire was discovered by the family of Uriah Wood in the old Hotel building on Commercial Street and the alarm was quickly given to the neighborhood. About the same time it was seen by Frank Schoeffler and Leon Pallister. When first discovered it was under rapid headway and was breaking out of the back end. It seemed to have started up stairs. The men ran to the barber shop of E. Lookhorst and the meat market of Hugh Metcalf and succeeded in getting out all the fixings of the barber shop without any trouble and the counter, block scales and the meat in the meat market. No attempt was made to get out the engine and chpper in the back room of the market although it is believed that they might have been saved. It was nearly fifteen minutes after the discovery of the fire that the fire bell rang and called the people in general from their peaceful slumbers. The church bells chimed in the death knell. The fire engine was hurried to the scene when the first bell began to toll and was soon in condition for service on the other buildings in close vicinity. The slight south-west wind bore large sinders [sic] high up into the air and they fell upon the surrounding buildings only to go out on the roof wet by frost and water. The engine had no more than got under headway when the suction hose gave way and a new one had to be obtain- [sic] from the engine house, this gave the flames a good chance for the other buildings but the engine got to work soon enough to put a stop to the buildings which had commenced to smoke in a dangerous manner. The ice house tar roof held back the fire in good shape on the west though it smoked considerable at first but the water held it down. The stone pile on the south made it possible to pass between the fire and the shoe shop, and keep the shop roof well wet down. It also kept back a large amount of heat from the building so that when the fire was over the building was scarecely scorched. The little hose back of Schoeffler's did good work. The chief danger was from the wagon shop of Irwin and Schwandt to the north as sparks of considerable size landed upon it and also the elevator of A. Bornshein. The frost and water kept these from catching fire. The origin of the fire is a mystery though we have heard suggestions as to how it most likely started. Nobody seemed to grieve over the loss of the old building which we are told was one of the first buildings erected in Brandon being built in 1855, six years after the first house was built in Brandon. The furniture and machinery in the butcher shop was insured for $400, by the Continental Insurance Co. of New York City for which G. E. Dickinson is agent. We can say with pride that our little engine worked in first class shape and much credit is due Ed Geidel for keeping it in so good trim. Our citizens also worked with a will as long as there was any danger to the neighboring buildings. The fire itself was a very opportune one and a better night could not have been chosen if people were to do so. There was very little breeze for if there had been without a doubt more buildings to the north would have gone also. The building was insured for $500 in the Pheonix Insurance company. Almer Hall says that by actual count 4500 live stock met an awful death int he flames.
This site represents an ongoing project to document Brandon's history. If you have information to share, please contact Bob Schuster by email at rmschust@facstaff.wisc.edu or at 6020 Kristi Circle, Monona, Wisconsin 53716, (608) 221-1421.