Recalling the devastating Westminster fire of 1906 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Recalling the devastating Westminster fire of 1906 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Other recent columns by Kevin Dayhoff:

County jail started out 0-for-1 when it came to holding prisoners Published April 3, 2009 by Carroll Eagle

Dayhoff: A brief review of the Westminster Navy, and its role in American history Published April 1, 2009 by Westminster Eagle

Merriment and joy, from one kind of cell to another Published March 27, 2009 by Carroll Eagle, Westminster Eagle

Dayhoff says: When it comes to Obama on Jay Leno, get over it Published March 26, 2009 by Westminster Eagle

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Recalling the devastating Westminster fire of 1906 By Kevin E. Dayhoff

Posted in The Westminster Eagle www.explorecarroll.com 4/08/09

On April 6, 1906, the City of Westminster witnessed a devastating fire right in the heart of town.

Of all ironies, it occurred right next to where the fire station was located at that time, and destroyed the home and livery stable owned by Harry H. Harbaugh, a prominent Carroll County citizen.

The fire is known in history as The Palace Livery Stable Fire of 1906.

At one point, residents were concerned for not only the safety of the fire station, but also for the home of Westminster Mayor O. D. Gilbert (May 21, 1900 - May 18, 1908) and the St. John Catholic Church, all located nearby.

Also bear in mind, in those days the offices of the government of the city of Westminster were likely located in the fire station; and just to the east of the fire station was the main Carroll County offices and switchboard for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company.

So, as one can imagine, the fire caused a bit of commotion in town. If you are trying to place the location of the fire, today it's the area we now know as the Thomas S. Diffendal parking lot.

According to an article in the now defunct American Sentinel, the fire "destroyed about $25,000 worth of property and threatened, for a time, a widespread conflagration in this city ... (It) started 15 or 20 minutes before 3 o'clock."

The fire destroyed "22 horses, 45 vehicles, a large lot of harness, provender, household furniture and the wearing apparel of Mr. Harbaugh and his family," and caused as much as $5,000 worth of damage to the fire station.

"Of the horses which perished, 18 belonged to Mr. Harbaugh and one each to Mr. J. E. Hippie, Mr. Charles E. Goodwin, Dr. Thomas J. Coonan and the A.B.C. Bread and Pie Company."

"The fire started near the rear and the wind drove it toward the front with such rapidity that Mr. and Mrs. Harbaugh and their three little boys barely escaped with their lives, and had to flee barefooted and in their night clothing from the burning building.

"It had been in progress for perhaps 20 minutes before it was discovered, when it was too late to make any effort to rescue the horses, most of which were probably suffocated before an alarm was sounded..."

"The heat from the burning stable ignited the window frames of the Firemen's Building and the flames spread into its interior, greatly endangering the structure. Only the almost superhuman efforts of the firemen saved if from destruction...

"Much of the surrounding property was in danger, blazing flakes from the burning stables having been carried for quite a distance, and having fallen on the roofs of many houses, in some instances igniting them. Fortunately shingle roofs were damp and householders watched, with hose and other means at hand, to suppress the first beginnings of a blaze thereon."

It's interesting to note that in those days, newspaper accounts of fires more often than not included the name of the insurance company and the representative:

Harbaugh's property "was insured in the sum of $6,500, in companies represented by Mr. Charles E. Goodwin's insurance agency."

As for the fire station; the "extent of the damage to the building by fire and water is from $8,000 to $5,000, the loss being fully covered by insurance in the Carroll County and Dug Hill Companies and in companies represented by Mr. J. H. Fuss and others."

The article also mentioned that "this was the most disastrous fire in this city since the great conflagration of April 9, 1883, when 17 or 18 buildings, including Grace Lutheran Church and parsonage, were destroyed and two lives were lost."

Fortunately, we are blessed in Carroll County with many fine volunteer fire companies and dedicated individuals who take time away from their families to protect all of us.

As a matter of fact, the 1906 newspaper article noted:

"As usual, the firemen deserve special commendation for their energetic efforts to protect and save property from destruction. A visitor from Baltimore, who witnessed their work, was overheard to remark that they far surpassed the firemen of that city in efficiency. Citizens residing in the vicinity supplied them with hot coffee while they were engaged in their arduous duty..."

Fire safety remains a serious concern for out community even today. Just last Saturday, my wife, Miss Caroline, Westminster firefighter Bob Ruby and I staffed a fire prevention and safety booth at the William Winchester Elementary School Spring Carnival.

It is never too early to start teaching your children fire safety. As history shows us -- it's everyone's concern and it can be a matter of life and death.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at kevindayhoff AT gmail.com.

http://www.explorecarroll.com/opinion/2715/recalling-devastating-westminster-fire-1906/

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