Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 67, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 May 1909 — F. M. SNYDER HOUSE DAMAGED BY FIRE. [ARTICLE]

F. M. SNYDER HOUSE DAMAGED BY FIRE.

Effective Work. By Fire Department Saved Good Besldenee From Total Destruction. The residence of Fred M. Snyder, at the corner of Pine and Milton streets, In the east part of town, was rescued from destruction from fire by the quick work of the fire company, just before noon, this Friday morning. Mrs. Snyder discovered the house was on fire shortly after the fire had been started up in the kitchen stove for the preparation of the. dinner meal. A few minutes before 11 o’clock she entered the kitchen and heard the crackling of burning timbers overhead. She at once turned in a fire alarm and the company made quick response. Fire Chief Montgomery was not present, being at work on the country telephone lines, and the direction of the company in its attack on the fire was done by Assistant Chief C. V/ lthoades in a vei'j effective manner... The fire had a big start and-before the arrival of the company the flames bad burned through the roof of the single story kitchen and also of the main roof. Two streams were turned on the fire, one being connected up With hydrant No. 75, aud the other being connected with No. 74, a full block away. The firemen cut a few holes in the roof, and one or two in the weather boarding and in about 15 minutes had the fire subdued. The roof was badly damaged and the weather bbarding was injured in a few places. The house was flooded with water and the plastering, especially the ceilings, probably ruined. The furniture was also considerably damaged. The total loss will be about S3OO or S4OO. Mr. Snyder had insurance on the house and contents in the sum of $1,200 and all loss will be covered. The most serious part to iiimselt and Wife is the effect that it may have on his health. He has been suffering from heart trouble and has been unable to work any for several months. Mrs. Snyder is also considerably shocked by the excitement. Their son, Jesse, who lives next door ter them, was working up near Vlrgie. He is a carpenter and will be called home to make the repairs to the house. Their son, Riley, who went to Hepner, Oregon, several months ago, is expected home in a few days. The decline of his father’s health had caused them to send for him about ten days ago. Mr. Snyder’s residence was on the street through which the water main was extended last year, and if it had not been for this the fire would doubtless have consumed the entire building.