Tragedy at the Spokane Mill Company
A fire sparked by a hot journal in the Spokane Mill Company plant leaves workers dead and families grieving.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The fears that several workmen employed in the factory of the Spokane Mill Company perished in the great fire of yesterday evening were confirmed today when the charred remains of three men were found in the ruins. Two bodies were identified as Richard Butcher and Adolph Schultz. A third, found nearby, is believed to be either H. H. Winger or Louis R. Cornwall. All were family men, and the loss has devastated the local community. The fire originated from a hot journal in the mill's machinery. The company has pledged to pay for the burial expenses of those recovered.
“The fire was seen at long distances in the surrounding country. It originated from a hot journal in the Spokane Mill Company's property.”
Industrial workplace disasters were common in the late 19th century, frequently caused by 'hot journals' (overheated bearings) which ignited sawdust and timber. Today, such accidents are regulated by strict labor and fire safety codes.
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