On Feb. 1, 1900, the nation was in the grip of a severe cold weather front. Fire and ice mixed to provide the firemen in several states a major test of stamina and courage.
FEB. 1, 1900: ST. LOUIS - A teaching nun and a student were killed by a fire that swept the St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Parish at 14th and O'Fallon Streets during the afternoon. When the initial alarm was raised, the teachers began to remove the children from the building. Once they were outside, it was noticed that the nun and child were missing. A fireman found them both on the fourth floor and carried them outside. Unfortunately, they could not be revived.
FEB. 1, 1900: DAYTON, OH - Fire threatened the entire manufacturing district for a time after it broke out at 7:40 A.M. in the Wolf & Sons tobacco warehouses. A night watchman overcome by smoke was rescued by firemen. The flames spread to several other buildings and a call for help was sent to Cincinnati. Several firemen suffered frozen ears and hands and were taken to a makeshift hospital. Then, the wall of the Wolf & Sons building collapsed on three firemen, critically injuring one of them. The fire was brought under control at 10:30 A.M.
FEB. 1, 1900: LOWELL, MA - One life was lost, one fireman was injured and several were overcome by a fire in a five-story building. The mixed residential and commercial building was destroyed. One fireman suffered a three-story fall, but was expected to recover.
FEB. 1, 1900: INDIANAPOLIS - A fire in a wholesale grocery company spread to adjoining buildings occupied by a shoe manufacturer, a grocery wholesaler and a drug company. Shortly after the arrival of the firemen, an explosion occurred blowing out all the front windows and flames then spread unchecked.
FEB. 1, 1900: YOUNGSTOWN, OH - An early-morning fire in the McElroy Furniture Co. extended into a dry goods company and then to the adjoining block. During the fire, a spectator dropped dead, apparently from a heart attack. Another spectator was struck in the head by a flying piece of debris. Firemen battled flames and a temperature of 5 degrees below zero.
FEB. 1, 1900: PHILADELPHIA - A fire of unknown origin during the early-morning hours destroyed the stores of Joseph Parks & Son at Germantown. The loss was estimated at $30,000. Four firemen were seriously injured by a roof collapse. The severe cold also injured many firemen who suffered frostbite to their ears, hands and noses.
Time Capsule
FEB. 2, 1900: A NARROW ESCAPE FOR CHICAGO'S FIRE CHIEF
Chicago Fire Chief Swenie had a narrow escape from death in the burning factory of the Rauch Furniture Manufacturing Co. The veteran chief of the fire department was overcome by smoke and fell unconscious in the rear of the office on the first floor. Members of Engine Company 3 located the chief and carried him from the building.
After a few minutes the chief was partially revived and was taken to a nearby engine house. A doctor examined him and said his condition was not serious. This was the first time in over a half century of firefighting that Swenie was "forced to retreat during a fire."
Compiled by PAUL HASHAGEN
