Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 95, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 August 1901 — ILLINOIS TOWN BURNED. [ARTICLE]

ILLINOIS TOWN BURNED.

Fire Dcstrsys Fifty Business Houses and Dwellings in Kantonl. The entire business district of Itnntoul. 111., and half a dozen blocks of residences were destroyed by fire the other afternoon. A spark from a passing railroad engine started the fire and a high wind, a six weeks' drought which had left every building as dry as tinder, and the lack of a city water works were the factors that made it so swift and tierce that it was uncontrollable. Champaign and Paxton sent their fire departments, but -water could not be obtained in sufficient quantities. Dynamite was tried, but it did not hinder the flames where buildings were close together. Over fifty business and residence houses were burned. The loss is estimated at upward of S3OO,(KM), with insurance of less than half that amount, I but that figure will not cover the injury I to the town, which has left only one hoj tel, which was located outside the bnsi- ! hess district, and one lumber yard. | Owing to the fact that nearly every j business house was burned out, including ' grocery stores, restaurants and the best hotel in the town, the first thing to be I attended to was supplying the people with food and clothing. Several temporary groceries were established and stip--1 plies were obtained from Paxton and | Champaign. Bread sold for 15 cents ’• ' loaf, an<f everything else in proportion. The entire business portion of the tow* will be rebuilt in a short time. Live wire killed Frederick Pettjfc Zanesville, Ohio.