The Springville Fire
Wasatch Wave, 11 November 1890, page 2
A correspondent to the Provo Enquirer of Nov. 6, has the following to say regarding the late fire at Springville:
One year ago this summer, the planing mill of Springville was discovered to be on fire by Sophia Packard, coal oil then being found scattered over the ground. This morning about 3:15 a fire was discovered on the premises on the southeast corner of the planning mill by David A. Curtis who states that had he only had the assistance of a single man he could have succeeded in extinguishing the flames. He at once started for the curfew bell, but, in his excitement, could not find the rope, although a child, under ordinary circumstances, could have seen and handled it. He next went to James Allsworths' who rang the bell, which, fortunately, was out of doors and easily accessable, thus giving the alarm to the town. Shortly the people commenced to gather but the flames were now beyond human control and in about twenty minutes communicated with the Opera house (which burned down) and about the same time with the stacks of J. S. Groesbeck, which were also beyond the control of human efforts to save. Fortunately there was but little breeze at the time or there could have been no conjecture on the amount of damage that might have accrued. Sparks as large as a man's hand were communicated to the house of Bp. Packard, which was on the adjoining lot, some of which passed down the chimney communicating with some clothing at the bottom of the flue about a foot from the floor, also setting fire to the roof, which was promptly extinguished. Mayor Robinson informs me that large sparks were carried to his house which is situated five blocks northeast from the fire. Mrs. Annie Crandal, living north six blocks, states that large sparks were carried to their premises. The Provo fire brigade arrived about 6 a. m. and, although the fire was then considered under control, threw large volumes of water upon the burning mass thus preventing sparks from being carried about. The out-house and pig pen of Bishop Packard were burned down and his barn fired several times, but the fire was subdued each time properly.
C. D. Evans
One year ago this summer, the planing mill of Springville was discovered to be on fire by Sophia Packard, coal oil then being found scattered over the ground. This morning about 3:15 a fire was discovered on the premises on the southeast corner of the planning mill by David A. Curtis who states that had he only had the assistance of a single man he could have succeeded in extinguishing the flames. He at once started for the curfew bell, but, in his excitement, could not find the rope, although a child, under ordinary circumstances, could have seen and handled it. He next went to James Allsworths' who rang the bell, which, fortunately, was out of doors and easily accessable, thus giving the alarm to the town. Shortly the people commenced to gather but the flames were now beyond human control and in about twenty minutes communicated with the Opera house (which burned down) and about the same time with the stacks of J. S. Groesbeck, which were also beyond the control of human efforts to save. Fortunately there was but little breeze at the time or there could have been no conjecture on the amount of damage that might have accrued. Sparks as large as a man's hand were communicated to the house of Bp. Packard, which was on the adjoining lot, some of which passed down the chimney communicating with some clothing at the bottom of the flue about a foot from the floor, also setting fire to the roof, which was promptly extinguished. Mayor Robinson informs me that large sparks were carried to his house which is situated five blocks northeast from the fire. Mrs. Annie Crandal, living north six blocks, states that large sparks were carried to their premises. The Provo fire brigade arrived about 6 a. m. and, although the fire was then considered under control, threw large volumes of water upon the burning mass thus preventing sparks from being carried about. The out-house and pig pen of Bishop Packard were burned down and his barn fired several times, but the fire was subdued each time properly.
C. D. Evans