Lack of Communication Leaves Latona Business to Burn
A grocery store and home in the Latona neighborhood was lost to fire while the family could not reach the fire department.
The story, cleaned up
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A fire broke out early Saturday morning in Latona, completely destroying a two-story frame building owned and occupied by C. W. Amery as a grocery and residence. The family was awoken by smoke from the kitchen, but were unable to alert the city fire department because the area lacked telephone or telegraph connectivity. The building was insured for $1,000, though much of the groceries and furniture were lost.
“No communication could be had with the city fire department for lack of a telephone or telegraph.”
This incident highlights the isolation of Seattle's early suburban neighborhoods, where a lack of basic public infrastructure like telephone lines could turn a manageable emergency into a total loss.
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