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Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott
for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/
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Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott
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The Hesperia Union
(unknown date, 1918)

                       WORST FIRE IN THE HISTORY OF
                               THE VILLAGE
                               
                   The fire gong sounded about 5 o'clock Satur-
                day afternoon, May 18, 1918.  Everyone rushed to
                the scene.  Manly Seymour's Harness Shop on the
                east side of Division Street, about the center
                of the main business block, was on fire.  Flames
                spread rapidly to Perle Thompson's Barber Shop,
                in spite of furious efforts on the part of our
                fire company.  Nothing could be saved from either
                of these buildings, although Manly Seymour made
                a desperate effort to get an Overland car out of
                his shop. He was overcome by smoke and heat, and
                it was only by the thoughtfulness and bravery of
                Foyd Parish who dragged him from the car and out
                of the burning building, that he was saved from
                death.
                   The fire spread so rapidly that it was feared
                the whole business section would be destroyed. 
                A call was sent to Fremont for help and they re-
                sponded quickly, getting her is less than a half
                hour after the call.  However, the fire had been
                checked by the time of their arrival.  Their hose
                was used to add another stream of water on the
                fire which was mastered.  The following is a list
                of the businesses and goods lost:
                   Many Seymour's Harness Shop completely destroy-
                ed with all contents, including the Overland car.
                   The beautiful residence of Mrs. O. H. Johnson
                and Mr. and Mrs. Manly Seymour.   
                   Perle Thompson's barber shop and all contents.
                   Dr. Thompsett's office and a great deal of his
                medicines.
                   Mrs. S. M. Anderson's Millinery Store.
                   The household goods of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cole,
                who lived in the rear of the millinery shop.
                   Frank Utley's building, occupied by Frank Hal-
                lock's cafe.
                   Forty cord of wood belonging to Hallock.
                   The ice house also went up in smoke.
                   Dan Richard's barn and hen coop.
                   Frank Utley's barn and furniture stored in the barn.
                   A considerable amount of wood owned by Harry Hill.
                   A conservative estimate places the loss at over
                $15,000 with less than $2,000 insurance.
                   Men were up on the buildings all around the burning
                ones, keeping them wet down.  Several of those build-
                ings did catch fire from burning sparks and embers, but
                were soon extinguished.  Windows in some of the build-
                ings across the street cracked and broke from the in-
                tense heat.
                   Many carloads of spectators from the surrounding
                country and from Femont came to see the fire.
                
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