Published by permission from the historical society.

Transcribed by Mrs. McElroys' MMS class.

1905---Fire

At 3:00 a.m. Monday, September 4, E.B. Black noticed smoke rising from the center of town when he got up to coal the engine for a stock extra off the Englewood. Two engines that were in the railroad yard at the time sounded the alarm. He hurried to the fire where he met Art Shaffer and George and Clarence Howard who were aroused by the alarm. Soon a host of fire fighters were at work.

The fire was at the front of the Parrett & Wright Meat Market and Kuhl Harness Shop. There had been either light nor fire in the building since Saturday, leading to the conclusion that firebugs had been at work.

An east wind drove the fire westward. The Minnich Grocery, Kuhl Harness Shop, the New Meat Market, I. E. Thompson's Barber Shop, Mrs. Wilder's Millinery store and the post office were consumed with nearly all their contents. Butterfield & Reddick, R. P. Seyfer, Chas. Hodgson and Rucker & Field also suffered losses.

The firms affected by the fire were hoping to resume business as soon as possible. They were assured that the buildings would be replaced at an early date. Effective fire protection for the town is to be the next topic for consideration by local organizations.

(Information taken from the Mulvane Record dated Sept. 7, 1905)