Rensselaer Union, Volume 12, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 October 1879 — The Destruction of Deadwood. [ARTICLE]

The Destruction of Deadwood.

Deadwood. D. T., September 28. Fire broke out in the Star bakery, on Sherman street, at 2:20 this morning, and following that thoroughfare, swept everything before it on Lee, Main, Gold, Wall, Patton and William streets, and some residence* on Centennial avenue. Fanned by a light breeze, and nothing to contend with, except a very inefficient Fire Department, everything was at the mercy of the flames. Less than half a score of pronounced fireproof warehouses withstood the severe test. The buildings being mostly of wood and poorly constructed, they burned like so much chaff. The fire spread with such wonderful rapidity that any attempt at saving anything would have been useless. All along its course terrific explosions of gunpowder, petroleum, liquor, etc., were of frequent occurrence. Buildings were blown into atoms. The hook and ladder apparatus and hose carriage were the first things to burn, leaving nothing but a few feet of worthless hose with which to battle against the devouring elements. The new waterworks were tried for the first time yesterday, and this morning they were put to their full capacity, with little success in subduing the flames, on account of the scarcity of water. The hill sides were almost a solid sheet of flame, and water from the bowlder ditch could not be hod, otherwise considerable property would probably, have been saved, as tbe ditch ran almost directly over the worst spot. The wildest excitement prevailed on account of the fearful force of the flames, and people thought of but little beside saving their own lives, hundreds escaping with only their night-clothes. Every team within miles of the city was called into service to help save what could be got out. There are probably about 2,000 people who are homeless, and many destitute. About one hundred and twenty-five' buildings, beside fifty or sixty dwelling houses, were destroyed, and, while it is utterly impossible to get any definite figures regarding loss, well-posted business men place it at from $1,500,000 to $2,000,000.

The fire is still burning, but all its material is exhausted, and there is no danger of its spreading, unless an unfavorable change in the wind occurs. Several of the firms whose fire-proofs were saved have posted notices that they wifi open up for business in them on Saturday. - Lumber is being hauled rapidly, and building will commence, as soon as the debris can be cleared away, in a far more substantial, way than before. Most of the merchants who have lost their wooden stores will erect brick ones in their stead. Labor is in great demand, and everything presents a lively appearance. All saloons are closed by order of the Sheriff, and the city presents an unusually quiet appearance. A citizens' committee of safety, numbering seven, has been appointed at a public meeting, who will assist the Sheriff in preserving the peace. Evil-doers, if caught, will be speedily dealt with. A proposition to organize a vigilance committee, one hundred strong, was voted down, emphatically. Numerous kind offers of assistance have been made by Eastern merchants, but will hardly be accepted, as the merchants bear their losses with the best possible grace, and are not inclined to place themselves under any obligations, at the same time appreciating the willing offers made by Eastern houses in all branches of trade. There are men in this world so poor that they can’t even afford to keep a clean conscience. — N. 7. Herald.