The Nome Nugget

Today is 28th Anniversary Of Big 1934 Fire

Twenty-eight years ago today the business district and part of the residential sections of the community were glowing embers and the narrow planked streets became memories of a stampede town.

Nome fought back immediately and by nightfall temporary eating places and even a store were opened. Within two months Nome was back in business.

For the benefit of newcomers in the community who have heard about the big fire of 1934, it is remembered that a strong gusty wind was blowing and the Golden Gate Hotel in which the fire was started was located where the Dunbar and Gilbert homes are now located on 1st Ave.

In four hours' time the firemen had lost their hose and the fire had wiped out Front St. and 1st Ave. from Steadman Ave.

It advanced up 1st Ave. West on both sides of the street as far as C St. and was finally checked at the corner of 1st Ave. West and D St. (where Dr. J. Shadler now lives).

The last home to go, which was demolished by dynamite to make a fire break, was that of Mrs. Emily Boucher. A bucket brigade from the Snake River kept the fire from spreading further after the two-story home was dynamited.