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  The Pentwater News
  Pentwater, Michigan
  May 10, 1872


              DISASTROUS FIRE.
        The Large Shingle Mill of J. E. Eldred
          in Ashes - One Hundred Men Thrown
          Out of Employment.

        On last Monday evening the alarm of fire again sounded, and the
     shingle mill of J. E. Eldred, - said to be the largest in the United
     States, - was discovered to be in flames. Almost instantly after the
     fire was discovered, the entire building was enveloped in flames,
     which soon communicated to the adjacent saw-mill and office. The night
     was dark, and, the effect of the glaring flames, lighting up the dark
     evergreens on the bluffs, and the bright reflection from the smooth
     waters of Pentwater Lake, with the clouds of lurid smoke rising high
     in the air, was grand. Showers of sparks were swept across the lake by
     a southwest wind, and the whole village seemed for a time in great
     danger. In fact, several fires were kindled by the falling cinders,
     but were promptly extinguished, for every one was on the alert. The
     next morning it was found that large pieces of shingles had been borne
     by the wind a distance of more than a mile, and every building in the
     line of the falling shower of sparks was in danger.
        Owing to the distance, necessity for crossing the channel, and the
     deep sand on the opposite side of the lake, it was a work of diffi-
     culty to reach the scene of the fire with the steamer; but the fire-
     men behaved gallantly, and were on hand fully as soon as could be
     expected under the circumstances, but too late to save either of the
     main buildings. The firemen, and many of the citizens, were untiring
     in their exertions, and through their efforts, and the faithful work
     of the little steamer - throwing two constant streams upon the flames
     until after midnight - the progress of the fire was stayed at the
     office, saving the boarding house and dwellings, and also a large part
     of the shingles piled on the dock. We are sorry to say that a large
     number of bystanders present - as is too frequently the case at fires
     - who did nothing to save property, and were only a hindrance to those
     who were at work.
        The origin of the fire is unknown, and will probably always remain
     a mystery. It is supposed to have originated from the carelessness of
     some employe. Every possible precaution had always been taken by those
     in charge to prevent the possibility of fire, but it appears that all
     was of no avail.
        The loss is estimated at about $53,000, on which there was insur-
     ance to the amount of $20,000.
        This is a great loss to our village, for at least one hundred men
     are now thrown out of employment. It is as yet uncertain whether a
     mill will again be erected on the old site or not. We hope Mr. Eldred
     will decided to rebuild without delay.

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