The Night Steilacoom's Records Burned

At about 10 o'clock on last Tuesday evening, the quiet of our town was disturbed by the cry of fire. In a few moments the entire town was illuminated by bright flames issuing from the County Auditor's office. Proceeding to the spot, we found the building in flames in every part, as though the fire had originated near its centre, or had started at the four corners simultaneously. Scarcely an hour elapsed before it was burned to the ground. So rapidly did the flames spread that both furniture and records were wholly destroyed; not even a small article was rescued from the devouring element.

The adjoining building, recently erected for a barber's shop, had taken fire, and it was found necessary to tear it down to prevent the further spread of the flames. Had this not been done, its close proximity to Anthony's Hotel would certainly have fired the latter building, in spite of the strenuous efforts made to save it; the throwing of water by buckets had little or no effect in extinguishing the fire. Notwithstanding the demolition of this building, it was with considerable difficulty that Anthony's Hotel was saved from the fate that threatened it, as the wind carried cinders in that direction.

A very fortunate circumstance was that the Chapman family, at the time of the fire, were giving their theatrical performance, at which many of our citizens were present, and some thirty or more soldiers from the garrison. The performance being interrupted by the alarm, the audience abandoned the theatre to go to the fire. The soldiers were not behind the civilians in efforts to stay the flames, and proved nimble auxiliaries in hurrying and bringing water on the spot. Knowing that Anthony's Hotel was in danger, twelve of them mounted the roof, and with wet blankets kept it thoroughly drenched, and eventually prevented the building from taking fire. Never with property at stake did men act more bravely than the soldiers. We regret to learn that the buildings were not insured.