Rosebrook Block on Oliver destroyed by fire, article (Tonawanda News, c 1893 0411).jpg
Dublin Core
Title
Rosebrook Block on Oliver destroyed by fire, article (Tonawanda News, c 1893 0411).jpg
Description
AI transcription:
**DISASTROUS FLAMES**
They Totally Wreck an Oliver Street Block This Morning.
Ere the first streaks of dawn had lighted up the eastern sky this morning, a large business block on Oliver street was laid in ruins by devouring flames.
It was 2:45 o’clock when Mr. D. F. Higgins, proprietor of the Hotel Archer, chancing to look out of the bed-room window, was startled to see red forks of fire shooting upward in the dim light of early morning from the Rosebrook Block opposite.
Hastily arising he hurried across the street and pounded on the door until he succeeded in arousing the Wattengel family, who occupied a portion of the building. Mr. and Mrs. Wattengel and three children barely escaped with their lives, losing all wearing apparel.
The alarm was promptly sent in over the telephone by H. U. Berger, and seven fire companies responded to the call. The flames had gained such headway, however, that it was impossible to subdue them until the building was a total wreck.
The fire started the rear of John Burns shoe store, situated in this block. Robert Riddle lived over the store and lost everything.
Louis Wattengel occupied the rooms on the corner of Thompson street with a saloon. His total loss will reach \$1,500. Insurance, \$1,200.
Mrs. Forsythe’s building, used as a boarding house, was damaged to the extent of about \$200.
The total loss is between \$4,000 and \$5,000.
**Notes of the Fire.**
The boys of the fire department desire to extend their thanks to Mrs. Forsythe for an excellent breakfast.
**DISASTROUS FLAMES**
They Totally Wreck an Oliver Street Block This Morning.
Ere the first streaks of dawn had lighted up the eastern sky this morning, a large business block on Oliver street was laid in ruins by devouring flames.
It was 2:45 o’clock when Mr. D. F. Higgins, proprietor of the Hotel Archer, chancing to look out of the bed-room window, was startled to see red forks of fire shooting upward in the dim light of early morning from the Rosebrook Block opposite.
Hastily arising he hurried across the street and pounded on the door until he succeeded in arousing the Wattengel family, who occupied a portion of the building. Mr. and Mrs. Wattengel and three children barely escaped with their lives, losing all wearing apparel.
The alarm was promptly sent in over the telephone by H. U. Berger, and seven fire companies responded to the call. The flames had gained such headway, however, that it was impossible to subdue them until the building was a total wreck.
The fire started the rear of John Burns shoe store, situated in this block. Robert Riddle lived over the store and lost everything.
Louis Wattengel occupied the rooms on the corner of Thompson street with a saloon. His total loss will reach \$1,500. Insurance, \$1,200.
Mrs. Forsythe’s building, used as a boarding house, was damaged to the extent of about \$200.
The total loss is between \$4,000 and \$5,000.
**Notes of the Fire.**
The boys of the fire department desire to extend their thanks to Mrs. Forsythe for an excellent breakfast.
Date
1893
Citation
“Rosebrook Block on Oliver destroyed by fire, article (Tonawanda News, c 1893 0411).jpg,” North Tonawanda History, accessed September 12, 2025, https://nthistory.com/items/show/4343.