Providence Morning Star

THE FIRE FIEND
Putnam, Conn., Visited
Several Blocks Destroyed

PUTNAM, Ct., Sept. 30.—A disastrous fire broke out, this morning, which lasted seven hours and burned almost the whole of the business portion of the town. Aid was called from Boston and Worcester, and at noon arrived, and the fire was extinguished. Total loss, $125,000; insurance, $75,000. Cause, spontaneous combustion.

Another Account.

PUTNAM, Ct., Sept. 30. The most disastrous fire that ever took place in this section visited Putnam early this (Sunday) morning. The fire originated in the basement of Bugbee's Block, destroying the entire building and most of the stock contained therein. Brown's brick block was also destroyed, besides the wooden buildings owned by R. M. Hoyle, J. B. Fuller and E. S. Lyon & Co. Lyon's new block was attacked by the fire, but by the utmost exertion was saved, although the south part was badly damaged. Bugbee's and Brown's blocks were the largest in the place, and were entirely filled with occupants. Bugbee's block was occupied by T. C. Bugbee, dealer in stoves and hardware; A. H. Bennett, dealer in fancy notions; B. W. Carpenter, dealer in groceries; the post office; Geo. E. Shaw, jeweler; J. M. Lyon, lawyer, and the Patriot office. Brown's Block was occupied by Hiram N. Brown, clothier; G. W. Warren, news-dealer; Davenport & Burt, druggists; Sharn, Greene & Co., dealers in dry goods; C. E. Searls, lawyer; L. H. Fuller, Insurance agent; C. H. Osgood, sheriff; Mrs. Murphy, milliner; Miss Tripp, dressmaker. The other buildings were occupied by R. M. Hoyle, S. McEvey and H. N. Brown. The loss is estimated at $125,000, and the insurance at $75,000. It is impossible at this time to give the individual losses. The origin of the fire is a mystery, but it is generally thought that it was caused by spontaneous combustion.