Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 December 1902 — RENSSELAER LAUNDRY BURNED. [ARTICLE]

RENSSELAER LAUNDRY BURNED.

Fire Caused by Employe Attempting to Thaw Frozen Pipe With Gasoline. The Rensselaer Steam Laundry was destroyed by fire Monday morning between eleven and twelve o’olook. The sadden oold weather of Snnday had frozen the steam pipes of the boiler and Phil Lagen, brother of the proprietor, attempted to thaw out the pipe* with a horning rag saturated with ooal oil. Before the job was completed the oil gave ont and gasolene was substituted. In pouring the liquid on the rag it beoame Ignited and the blaze instantly oommnnloated to the gasoline oan. Almost instantly the whole interior of the bnildlng was on fire. When the fire company arrived there was a farther delay 9B aoooant of the dlstahOS from hy< drants. The fire was finally extinguished bnt not before the bnildlng WM entirely gutted. The only property saved from the bttitding was a desk and a basket or two of laundry. Mr. Lagen estimates his loss at $2,000, with an insuranoe of SI,OOO. He will probably rebuild. In the meantime he will oontlnue his business as formerly, sending the work out of town.