A Frontier Library Lost to Flame

On Thursday afternoon last, the beautiful residence of Col. Eldridge, near Whatcom, was entirely destroyed by fire, there being no one at home at the time but Mrs. Eldridge, her daughter Belle, and Mrs. Marston. It is said Col. Eldridge had one of the most valuable private libraries in the Territory, with many fine works of art and scientific collections. They were only able to remove from the burning house the piano, a bureau, a few stands and chairs, and some bedding on the lower floor, when they were shut off by the flames, and further efforts were unavailing. All other articles of furniture, pictures, books, trunks, and wearing apparel, ready-money, jewelry, business papers, deeds and patents involving the title to thousands of acres of land were all destroyed. In one short hour, it swept away the accumulation of years of industry in all matters pertaining to the building up and tasteful furnishing of a home. Mr. Eldridge and family bore up under the misfortune with a commendable spirit of reliance that is gratifying to their friends and neighbors who, by the way, promptly realized the embarrassing situation by sending up at once such articles of furniture, cooking utensils, wearing apparel, etc., as were of immediate necessity for the comfort of the victims. They have fitted up one of the outhouses for a temporary abode and we are happy to say they are again as comfortably fixed as the emergency of the case will allow.