The Fire That Paid: How a Grocery Store’s Loss Became a Lesson in Civic Trust
When a fire destroyed the premises of Mossfeldt & Pratt on Jackson Street, their insurance company didn't just pay up—they published a public thank-you note. A rare moment of transparency in 1889 Seattle.
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.
TO OUR PATRONS:
We wish to thank you for the adequate adjustment and payment of the claim sustained by us from the burning of our grocery store on Jackson Street, almost a week ago.
The prompt, fair and to our entire satisfaction, at par the full face of your policies.
Very respectfully, MOSSFELDT & PRATT. JOHN P. HOTT, Pres. E. D. MOULD, Vice Pres. J. FURTH, Treas. 44N
In an era when insurance claims were often litigated for years or denied on technicalities, the public publication of a 'prompt and fair' settlement was notable. It reflects a specific moment in Seattle’s post-fire rebuilding (following the Great Fire of 1889) where business continuity relied heavily on swift capital recovery, contrasting sharply with today's complex, often adversarial insurance processes for small business owners.
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