Watertown Republican

Destructive Fire.-On Friday morning last, about 1 o'clock, a fire broke out in the back part of the frame building on the south side of Main street, between 3d and 4th streets, occupied by Benkendorf and Arnt as a saloon, and flour and feed store. The flames soon spread to the frame building on the left, owned by Julius Goldner and occupied by him as a Confectionery and Bakery, and also to the frame building on the right, owned by Theodore Prentiss, and occupied by D. Liefield, Clothing merchant. Before the fire got fairly under way sufficient time elapsed to enable the owners of the stocks to save them, which they did in tolerable good shape, and without great loss or damage.

Pioneer Company No. 1, and the Hook and Ladder Company, were soon on the ground and immediately got to work pouring a steady stream of water on the flames. but despite all their efforts nothing could be done to subdue the fire, and their further efforts were directed to keeping the fire from spreading beyond the limits of the burning buildings. The Hook and Ladder company did efficient service in pulling down the burning fragments and timbers, and in this manner staying the flames. The night was very favorable with hardly a breath of air stirring, and had there been a high wind at the time, the fire must have been much more serious.

The rear of Mr. Goldner's building used as a bakery, and built of brick, was saved, although some damaged. The total loss of the three buildings and their contents must be somewhere in the neighborhood of $4000 Mr. Goldner was insured in Home of New York for $2000. Benkendorf and Arnt in Phenix of Hartford, $1,100, Hartford Fire, $200. Mr. Prentiss, insured $200. Mr. Liefield's stock was almost entirely saved.