Fire Buffs promote the general welfare of the fire and rescue service and protect its heritage and history. Famous Fire Buffs through the years include New York Fire Surgeon Harry Archer, Boston Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler, New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and - legend has it - President George Washington.

Saturday, August 20, 2016

1890s

Lagonda House

 Springfield, Ohio
  • Good and Reese Greenhouse fire (S. Limestone) - April 14, 1890
  • Charles Kelly Block on Main Street, spread to adjacent structures, including Derrickson's cigar store - Aug. 29, 1891 [San Francisco call]
  • Winter’s Act Litho fire (W. High St) - March 15, 1892
  • Arcade Hotel fire (Fountain and High) - Feb. 19, 1894. General alarm. Started in the basement ``Kindling Room,'' where coal and other fuels were stored. Flames ascended elevator shaft.  Hotel staff escaped from windows and over roof.   [Springfield Weekly Republic]
  • Fire destroyed New Carlisle city building, along with police and fire headquarters;  started at Charles Gardner's livery by "drunken people"; Staley Hotel also burned; Springfield sent mutual aid  - May 5, 1985. [San Francisco Call]
  • Lagonda House fire (Limestone and  Main streets) - Oct. 29, 1895. Box 12, general alarm. Broke out at midnight in vicinity of kitchen and laundry. Spread rapidly. Dayton Fire Dept. sent reinforcements by train. Hotel destroyed, roof collapsed. [Springfield Republic-Times, New Yorrk Times] 
  • Arcade Building fire (Fountain and High) - April 3, 1896
  • Firefighter Michael J Haley died in line of duty - Aug. 25, 1897. Suffered "sudden death"; no details. [Springfield Republic]
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