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Blair County Newspaper Articles

News, obituaries, birth, marriage and death notices, by date.

Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Saturday, September 1, 1866

LOCAL ITEMS.

DISASTROUS FIRE. - Altoona House, Exchange Hotel, and Jaggard's Store Rooms in Ashes. - Our town has again been visited by a serious conflagration which, in a very short space of time destroyed a large amount of property in the most public part of the town and turned out some seventy-five or eighty persons to hunt up lodgings in other localities.

THE ALARM.

About half past eight o'clock, on Monday evening, the cry of FIRE! FIRE!! resounded through the streets, and the rapid tolling of the fire bell confirmed the report and brought our citizens to the street, and soon the centre of the town was a living mass.

THE ORIGIN.

It is not known exactly how the fire originated, but it is supposed to have been in some way communicated to loose hay in the stable attached to the Exchange Hotel. A huckster, who had horses in the stable, had been in it a short time previous, with a lighted candle. When the fire was first discovered, the hay was on fire, and before anything could be done to arrest the flames they had burst through the roof and were beyond control. The horses belonging to the huckster, and some hogs which were in the stable were got out, not until one of the horses was badly burned.

SPREAD OF THE FLAMES.

Almost simultaneously with the bursting of the flames through the roof of the stable, they were communicated to a wash-house adjoining and from thence to the new attachment to the Hotel which had just been finished. The heat was now so great that no person could stand between the new wing and old wing of the hotel, and so rapidly had the flames spread, that ere water could be thrown upon the old wing, it was also on fire. All efforts to save the building were abandoned, and the attention of all present was given to saving movable articles. With a few exceptions, the most of these were removed to the street, and the building left to its fate. The Exchange and the Altoona House joined, and it was evident to all that if the one could not be saved, the other would also be burned. As in the case of the Exchange, the house was considered doomed, and the efforts of the crowd were directed to saving the personal property therein. This was principally removed, but, as in case of the Exchange, in a damaged condition. Boarders who had but a small amount of baggage, removed it in safety, but in some of the family rooms it was impossible to get all out, as it was not over half an hour from the time the flames were discovered ere both houses were an entire sheet of flame. The brick part of the Altoona House resisted the flames for a considerable time, but the heat was so great that the window frames and cornice, in the rear, were set on fire, and soon the roof fell in, carrying the fire into the centre of the building. The room next the alley, on first floor of this part of the building, was occupied by Adams' Express Company as an office, from which everything was removed in good time. The entire wood work of the inside of the brick part was consumed.

A small room, on the Main street front of the Altoona house, was occupied by Samuel Smith, as a watchmaker and jewelry shop. From this the goods were hastily removed, as Mr. Smith was from home at the time. The young man in attendance did all he could to save the property, but lost, as he thinks, some $200 worth. A room, in the basement, immediately under the jewelry store, was occupied by Thomas Shorter, barber. From this the effects were removed with but slight loss. Adjoining the Exchange Hotel, on the West, was a small frame building, occupied by Mr. Nesbit, as a barber shop, and owned by C. Jaggard. The flames speedily communicated with this building, and from thence to two store rooms, built by Mr. Jaggard, on the site of the fire some six years since. This building was two story. The part next the barber shop had been occupied by Jas. S. Mann, as a hat and cap and boot and shoe store, up to a week or two since, when he removed to a store on Virginia street. The second story was still occupied by Mr. Mann as a dwelling. From the barber shop all the goods were removed, and Mr. Mann succeeded in saving all his effects except a cook stove. The second half of the building was occupied by Godfrey Wolfe, as a clothing store. Seeing that the building could not be saved, Kerr & Co., with whom the goods were insured, ordered their removal to their office, a few doors above. By so doing the clothing was saved. The basement of Mr. Jaggard's building had just been fitted up for a Saloon, and was occupied by Conrad Beam. Mr. Beam succeeded in getting out all his goods, but some of them turned up missing when he came to look for them, after the fire was over.

At this point the spread of the flames was arrested by a new brick house, in course of erection by Adam Beam. The walls were up two- stories high, almost level with the roof of Mr. Jaggard's building. The bricklayers platform, inside the walls, afforded standing room and gave persons with hose an excellent opportunity to play upon the approaching flames, and by the judicious application of water and battering in of the roof of the frame building, all the rest of Mr. Beam's building was saved. Had it not been for this building the entire main street front, between Julia and Caroline streets, would have been in ruins on Tuesday morning, and in all probability the Virginia street front of the same square would have shared a similar fate. So great was the heat from the burning buildings that it was only by the constant application of water, and covering them with wet carpet and bed-clothing, that the houses of Mrs. Couch, Mrs. Flowers, and the city store were prevented from taking fire.

The Exchange Hotel was owned and occupied by Col. John Woods and Wm. Johnson. They estimate their loss at $13,000, on which they had an insurance of $6,800.

The Altoona House was owned by Richard McClain. He estimates his loss at $14,000, on which he had an insurance of $9,900.

Mr. Jaggard estimates his loss at $3,000, on which he had an insurance of $1,666.

Mr. Nesbit, barber, estimates his loss at $100, which was covered by insurance.

Mr. Smith, jeweler, estimates his loss at $200, on which he had an insurance of $___.

John McDowell, boarder at Exchange Hotel, lost all his personal effects, valued at about $600 on which he had no insurance.

D. T. Caldwell and family, boarding at Altoona House, lost a considerable amount of wearing apparel and small items - covered by insurance.

S. M. Woodkok and family, boarding at Altoona House, lost considerable in damaged furniture and goods not removed - no insurance.

E. Elder, recently boarding at Altoona House, lost a trunk filled with books, valued at $100 - no insurance.

A number of other boarders lost small amounts in personal effects which they were unable to remove in time to save them from the flames.

BASE BALL. - Two March games came off on the Mountain field, on Saturday last. The game between the Star, of this place, and Bald Eagle, of Tyrone, resulted in the defeat of the Bald Eagles, by the following score:

INNINGS.

Umpire, B. F. Rose. Scorers - Bittner and Thompson. Time of Game - 2.35.

The game between the Mountain, of this place, and the Bald Eagle, resulted after the same fashion, the Bald Eagles coming out short. The following is the score:

INNINGS.

Passed Balls - Mountain 12, Bald Eagle, 12. Home Runs - Mountain 3, Bald Eagle 1. Struck Out - Mountain 3, Bald Eagle 4. Fly Catches - Mountain 2, Bald Eagle 6. Missed Catches - Mountain 5, Bald Eagle 9. Out on Foul Ball - Mountain 3, Bald Eagle 3.

Umpire - Dr. Gemmill. Scorers - B. F. Rose and Mr. Hines. Time of Game - 3h and 15m.

A match game was played on the grounds of the Mountain, on Monday afternoon last, between the Second Nine of the Star and Third Nine of the Mountain Clubs, with the following result:

INNINGS.

Umpire - J. M. Hileman. Scorer - A. Roush. Time of Game - 3.15.

A match game was played on the grounds of the Mountain Club, on Thursday afternoon, the 30th inst., between the Logan Club, of Altoona, and the Juniata Jr. Club, of Hollidaysburg, the score showing the following:

INNINGS.

Umpire - R. B. Gemmill, Mountain Club.

ACCEPTABLE PRESENT. - On Monday evening last, we found upon our table a basket carefully covered and tied up, and attached to the handle a note explaining its appearance. Peaches are a scarce luxury in this "neck o' timber," and we do appreciate the gift of our friend. The luscious fruit came from S. A. M'Ateer, of Logan tsp., and were the product of trees on his lot. They were delicious. May the trees of our friend escape the ravages of the worm, and yield him fruit every year sufficient for his own table, and an extra basket for the printer.

WATERMELONS. - Stewart & Tipton, the gentlemanly grocers on Virginia street, presented us with a delicious watermelon one day last week, for which we take occasion to return our thanks. They have always a large stock of watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, and other luxuries of the season, constantly on hand, which they will dispose of at prices as low as they can be purchased for anywhere else in this region. Give them a call.

SUDDEN DEATH. - We learn that on Friday last, a lady named McGinnis, residing in East Ward, was taken suddenly ill, on the street, while returning from services at Church. She was conveyed to a house near by, where she expired in a few hours. We did not learn the cause of her death.

SPECIAL NOTICE. - Intending to remove from Altoona about the latter part of September, I desire those who have claims against me to present them for settlement within thirty days from this date, and those knowing themselves indebted to me are respectfully requested to settle their accounts within the time mentioned.

I shall transfer my practice to Dr. John W. Allen, of Carlisle. Dr. Allen is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and has served four years as Assistant Surgeon, in the army, lately Surgeon of the 148th Reg. Pa. Vol. He is a Surgeon of rare qualifications and comes recommended by many of the most prominent men of our State. - EMIL TIETZE, M. D., Aug. 18, 1866.

PROMOTIONS. - We are pleased to learn that our townsman, Capt. John M. Clark, has been promoted to Brevet Major, in consideration of meritorious services rendered during the late rebellion. Maj. W. W. Hicks, of Duncansville, has been made Brevet Lieut. Colonel, for gallant services. Both were faithful and brave officers, and well deserve these tokens of merit. They bear their honors meekly and still condescend to let their children play with those of other people.

FOR SALE. - Any persons desiring to purchase a handsome building lot, will find one on the corner of Grant and High streets, East ward. The lot is larger than the usual size of lots in Altoona, and is under good fence. It is well set with good fruit trees and under good condition. Any person wishing to purchase a good building lot should look at this one. After looking at it, call upon E. B. McCrum, at the Tribune Office, and learn terms, &c.

CHANGED. - The Grocery Store of R. Green has been removed to the room formerly occupied by Martin Runyen, as a butcher shop, on Virginia street, next door to Bear & Co.'s store, where he has fitted up the room in good style, and is prepared to furnish fresh groceries at all times, to all who may favor him with their patronage.

Altoona Temple of Honor, No. 22 meets every Friday evening in the Hall, 3d story Shannon's new building, Virginia street.

Crystal Spring Social Temple, No. 23, in connection with this Temple, meets every Tuesday evening in the same hall. - B. F. ROSE, W. C. T., S. A. RENNER, W. R.

ON A VISIT. - The first nines of the Star and Logan Clubs will leave on a visit this morning. The former go to Alexandria, to play a return game with the Hartslog Club, and intend stopping at Petersburg, to play the Orientals of that place. The Logans will go to Huntingdon, to play their third game with the Spartans.

MARRIED.

In Duncansville, on the 23d inst., by the Rev. Dr. Frazer, Mr. Absalom Brown, of Altoona, to Miss Louisa Walters, of Duncansville.

Mr. and Mrs. B. did not forget the printer, but sent him a substantial token of remembrance, such as we seldom receive, for which we tender them our very best wishes for their future happiness and prosperity. May fortune smile upon them, and long life, a green old age, and a peaceful death be theirs.

DIED.

In Altoona, on the 20th ult., Eveline C. Kelly, wife of James A. Kelly, and daughter of Chas. E. Cavender, aged 21 years, 3 months and 10 days.

In this place, on the 3d ult., the wife of James Detwiler, aged 22 years.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Saturday, September 1, 1866, page 3