Lockport Fire of 1854

The New York Times. 3 Nov. 1854.

DREADFUL FIRE in LOCKPORT

LOCKPORT, Thursday, Nov. 2 – 9.P.M.

A dreadful fire is now raging in Lockport, and the greater portion of the north part of the town is in ruins. At the present time it is impossible to state the extent of the damage, as there is no knowing where the destruction of property will cease. The Tremont House, the Congregational Church, and the entire block of buildings between them, are entirely destroyed.

Six bridges are in flames, and the entire north part of the town is threatened with destruction.

The Buffalo Fire Department has been telegraphed for, and will proceed immediately to the scene of destruction.

 

 

The New York Times 4 Nov 1854

The Great Fire at Lockport – Loss $200,000

Lockport, Thursday, Nov. 2 – Midnight. The fire broke out about 8 o’clock this evening, in the old Jennings Hotel, on Main street, west of the Tremont House, and a high wind prevailing at the time, in less than twenty minutes that building and the Tremont House were enveloped in flames.

The fire rapidly spread from these buildings to Boughton’s Block, and the row of buildings to and including Marvin’s Block on the east, and to the Congregational and Methodist Churches on the northeast, consuming the entire square between. From the Congregational Church it spread to the dwellings north, consuming all up the alley which separated them from the new Presbyterian Church, which was only saved by the most strenuous exertions.

From the Methodist Church the fire extended to the two brick stores on WILSON & MURPHY, on the east, and to the new Engine House, No. 3, on the north.

Here, at this writing, there is a prospect of arresting the progress of the flames, a building having been torn down with that view.

A small frame building on Ontario-street, near Lock-street, took fire from the sparks and was destroyed, together with an old two-story building adjoining.

The total loss will not be less than $200,000.

The wind has been blowing a perfect hurricane.

Soon after the fire broke out a telegraph dispatch was sent to Buffalo for assistance, and two Engine Companies with their machines, a Hook and Ladder Company, and a Hose Company have just arrived.

The fire is now materially checked.

A man named HENRY RANDALL fell from Lusk’s Hotel, and was seriously  injured.

It is also rumored that a man and woman were burned to death in the Tremont House.

The fire originated from the explosion of a camphene lamp in one of the rooms in the Jennings House.

SECOND DISPATCH. Lockport, Friday, Nov. 3.

In addition to the buildings enumerated above, the following are also in ruins: JACKSON’S boarding-house, JUDGE GARDNER’S office, PAMLEE’S coffee-house, SAFFORD’S block and numerous frame buildings.

The fire was effectually checked about midnight through the exertions of the Buffalo firemen, before whose arrival the entire north part of Main-street was threatened with destruction.

The loss it  is now thought will not be much over $100,000. Insurance about $50,000.

 

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