Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1905 — SUNDAY MORNING FIRE. [ARTICLE]

SUNDAY MORNING FIRE.

Duvall's Livery Barn, Worden’s Harness Shop and Bicknell’s Pool Room Destroyed.

Fire starting in the rear part of the pool room south of Kellner’s saloon about ten o’clock Sunday morning caused the-most serious fire loss Rensselaer has had for several years. Owing to the severe cold and the fact that the fire was in between the ceiling aud tin roof of the buildings and consequently hard to get at, placed the fireman at a disadvantage, and it was nearly two hours before the flames were under control.

on his stock, which he estimates was worth $2,000. He figures his loss at about S4OO.

All the buildings were of frame, and the two north ones belonged to A. Leopold, who had S4OO insurance on them. The south wall of the Kellner saloon was of brick, and this prevented the fire from spreading north, and the saloon or contents was not damaged. The wrecked buildings are partly standing, but so completely ruined that they will have to be torn down. It is likely the “burned district” will be built up this spring with brick business rooms. Both Ed and John Duvall worked very hard to save their property, the former during most of the time with his clothing soaked with water, and it will be strange indeed if he does not have a serious spell of sickness as a result of his exposure. Ed also got a fall from a ladder that bruised him up considerably, and he is confined to the house at this writing. Christie Vick, one of the firemen, was also slightly injured by a fall.

When finally subdued the pool room, Warden’s harness shop next door south and the Duvall livery barn on the corner were completely ruined, although not burned to the ground. The stable part of the livery barn was saved without much damage, and all the horses and equipage was gotten out. Everything was also saved from Warden’s shop, but of course in a damaged condition. The pool tables were not gotten out from the pool room aud were considerably damaged by the water. They belonged to Bicknell Bros., and have since been removed to that place.

The Duvall loss is the greatest, probably in the neighborhood of $2,000, and owing to the high rate they carried no insurance. Matt Worden carried but S4OO

Town Talk flour, only $1.45 a fourth barrel, and guaranteed good as any flour made or money back at the Chicago Bargain Store.