HAYS Grocery Burns - 1897 - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Yesterday morning the fire department was called to the grocery store of Frank Hays on east Franklin street. The store was discovered to be ablaze by a passer and the alarm was turned in. Arrived on the scene the department found a rather ugly fire to fight. It had originated in the sawdust cuspidors about the stove and running up the side of the wall got into the rafters in the ceiling. The fire was having a gay old time in the garret when the fight against it was begun. There was any amount of water thrown and the stock was ruined, the fixtures also suffering badly. The residence of Arthur Dorsey, just west of the grocery, was slightly singed by the blaze before the fire was subdued and for awhile there was a decided commotion in the household. The redoubtable “Piggy”" came in evidence, however, and his old baseball experience served him well. He threw snowballs against the house faster and swifter than he ever threw the festive horsehide in championship days. The loss on the building and stock was considerable. The stock worth about S300, was insured for §400 by John M. Schultz in the German of Freeport. The building belonged to Pat McManus, being his old stand. It was insured for S500 by J. S. Kelley in the Dayton. This will probably cover the loss, although Mr. McManus is inclined to think it will not.   ~~~Transcribed and Typed by kbz