Item

Standard
Aug 27, 1856
Fire. We have to record the occurrence of another fire in our town which took place last Wednesday night about 10 o’clock, on the premises of Mr. T. Berry in William Henry Street. It broke out on the outside of a building occupied by Mr. Berry and our contemporary Mr. Clinch, of the Provincialist, respectively as a carpenter’s shop and printing office; this, as well as an adjoining building, used as a school house were totally consumed, Mr. Berry losing all his tools, but he printing materials and other effects of Mr. clinch we are glad to say were saved, with a little damage. A small building occupied by a barber [Mr. Bounds?] was also partly burned and then pulled down, thereby arresting the further spread of the fire towards Water Street. The wind being easterly, the flying sparks and embers falling upon the roofs of the houses on both sides of Water Street had at first a very bad appearance, but a good supply of water from the tank in the immediate vicinity of the fire enabled Torrent Engine to arrest it, after the gap had been made by removing the Barber’s shop. Much praise is due the Fire and Hose men, and the young men who so gallantly assisted the regular firemen to serve the Engine throughout the whole occasion. It is much to be regretted that a full company cannot be obtained and kept up for this Engine, so that at all times it may be worked by an efficient crew of its own without being dependent upon casual aid, as the time may come when this sort of parsimony (if such it is) may turn out to be a very dear saving. The letter of Index in another column, will we hope be carefully read by those it most concerns. We certainly think that a volunteer company is better adapted to the exigencies of a fire engine, than an appointed company. With the solitary exception of this town, every other town and city in the province has its volunteer company or companies, and that they answer admirably we have every reason to know. The volunteer company which originally had this Engine was undoubtedly a very efficient body, and that the collision between them and the Fire wards, which broke it up, ever occurred, is a matter or regret.

Standard
Sept 17/1856
We beg leave to express our thanks to the many kind friends who assisted us so energetically, and successfully, in saving the Press, Type, and nearly all the effects of our Printing Office, on the occasion of the disastrous fire on the morning of the 12th inst. we are also desirous to add, that in consequence of the inconvenience to which we have been subjected by the compulsory change of office, and the unavoidable confusion into which our arrangements have been thrown, we are only able to issue a half sheet this day. We copy the following account of the fire from our contemporary of the Provincialist
            Fire. While the ruins are yet smoking, it our unwelcome task to record, as far as we are acquainted with circumstances the particulars of a serious conflagration, (the worst this town ever experienced) which happened in St. Andrews on the night of Wednesday the 10th inst. the fire as we are informed first caught in a building occupied by Mr. John Aymar, as a Spar and block maker’s shop—it was discovered between 12 and 1 o’clock, a most inconvenient time for waking people up, but notwithstanding which, the Engine companies, and indeed the whole town was promptly on the spot, and did everything that could be done to extinguish the fire; circumstances were unfavourable, the tide was down, and difficult to procure water for the Engines; the whole block was consumed; and it was only by most strenuous exertions that the fire was prevented from communicating to the buildings in the neighborhood. Mr. Pheasant’s extensive hotel establishment was in immediate danger, being on the opposite side of the street, and the wind blowing in that direction, the roof of his house, as also his stable, repeatedly caught and was put out again; but for the tall trees in front of his premises which partly intercepted the flaming embers, it is supposed they would have gone for it. The chief sufferers by the fire we understand are Mr. J. Aymar who has lost his stock in trade, as also his tools, and Mr. Quin, whose building was not insured. Our contemporary of the Standard is also burnt out, under much the same circumstances that we ourselves were about a month a go, that is to say, materials saved, only the time and trouble of setting up again—which is no trifle.
            There are now several gaps in the town caused by fire—we hope that ere long the improved state of business will cause them to be rebuilt.—Provincialist.

The following properties were consumed: the large range of buildings owned by the C. C. Bank on the Market Square, occupied by Mr. McElwee, as stone, dwelling and bake house; Standard Printing Office; Mr. Moore’s tin ware shop, one unoccupied store, and two barns. On water Street, Mr. Boyd’s two stores, and store house; a house, store, and shed, occupied by Capt. McMaster, and owned by Mr. Street; store occupied by Mr. M. S. Hannah; the engine room, a workshop, tools, stock, foundry and blacksmith shop occupied by Mr. Aymar; store owned by Mr. C. O’Neill; dwelling house and blacksmith shop owned by Mr. Thomas Quinn; and a house owned by the estate of the late hon. Mr. Hatch. The estimated total loss is 4,000 pounds, upon which about 900 in insured. Capt. McMaster lost all his furniture and clothes, upon which there was no insurance.

Standard
Oct 8/1856
Another Fire.
About 10 o’clock last night, the appalling cry of “fire!” resounded through our streets. The flames were discovered issuing from a barn in rear of Mrs. Fitzsimmons store on Water Street, in the Church block, so called. torrent Engine was early at the scene of conflagration; but the flames spread so rapidly, owing to the combustible materials around, that it was supposed for some time the whole block of buildings would be consumed; we are happy, however, to record, that the supply of water from the tank in William street, was sufficient for the engine to throw two streams of water constantly, and the engine being well manned and worked with an indomitable will, the fire was extinguished almost on the spot where it commenced having only destroyed the adjoining barn and woodshed on the premises occupied by Mr. Millar. Buildings in the vicinity were in imminent danger, having been on fire several times.
            We regret to state that one of our most active firemen, Mr. George Moore, met with a serious accident by falling from the roof of one of the houses, fracturing and dislocating both joints of his left arm. He was immediately conveyed to his residence, and placed under the medial care of Decry. Gove. Mr. Moore has a wife and several children depending on his labour, and as he will be for some time unable to work, it is to be hoped that the public will render that assistance which the wants of his family require. We understand Mrs. Fitzsimmons lost a valuable cow, and about two tons of hay. Mr. Miller lost all his hay and a quantity of wood.

Standard
Oct 22/1856
Since fire at Market Wharf, James Boyd has relocated his provisions store to Steamboat Landing.

Standard
Nov 5/1856
We learn that some of the owners of the land in the “burnt district” are getting out frames for the purpose of erecting stores and dwellings on the old foundations As bricks can now be purchased almost as low a slumber, would it not be admissible to erect a row of brick buildings, which would not only be cheaper in the end, but also an ornament to the town. We learn also that several persons intend erecting dwelling in the spring. [ref. here to new brickyard I believe at Chamcook]

Standard
Sept 16/1857
We beg leave to direct the attention of the Magistrates to the present dangerous state of the Market Square, and that part of Water Street immediately in front of the Railroad Hotel. The cellars of the buildings destroyed by fire a year since, are left open and exposed, and are nothing less than "man traps," endangering the lives of the community, and more particularly strangers. We have been in expectation, day by day, to hear of some life sacrificed; such a nuisance would not be tolerated in any other town in the province. But a day or two since, a gentleman passing along Water Street in the evening, would have been precipitated into one of these cellars, had not a resident of the town warned him of the danger. Such a sate of thi9ngs is disgraceful to the town; and we call upon the Magistracy to have the nuisance at once abated by compelling the owners of the property to fence it, in order that loss of life or limb may not occur. Should any accident take place which might be compensate for—no Jury would hesitate to award damages against their Worships. A highly respectable correspondent has sent us a letter upon the subject, in which he handles the Magistrates without gloves for the “dereliction of duty.”

Standard
Sept 23/1857
Fire. a fire broke out at half past 1 o’clock on Thursday morning last, in the store owned and occupied by Col. Boyd, head of the Steamboat wharf—and notwithstanding the alarm was immediately given, and the engines were early on the ground, all efforts to save the store or adjoining houses proved fruitless. The engines were well and ably worked—particularly old No. 1 @, which was first at the scene of action, and took its position immediately in front of the fire beside the Steam-mill well, which afforded a bountiful supply of water. The inhabitants worked with a good will; to their exertions and those of the Fire Companies we may safely say, the whole lower part of Water Street was saved from destruction. The Railroad Extension was several times in imminent danger, but a good look out was kept and little or no damage was done to the road. The properties destroyed are Mr. Boyd’s nearly full of good and provisions, an adjoining new store unoccupied and two dwelling houses which had just been thoroughly repaired—the Messrs. Shaw’s boat builder shop, with all their tools, moulds, and a considerable quantity of seasoned lumber, and a barn filled with hay, belonging to the widow Healy. Mr. Boyd, we learn, had a small amount insured on his buildings; but we regret to say, that the Messrs. Shaw were uninsured. We respectfully suggest that refreshments should be provided for the firemen on such occasions, as it is next to impossible for men to work as hard as they do for hours, without using something, such as tea or coffee and biscuits, or other stimulants.

Standard
Oct. 21, 1857
Fire.
On Sunday night last, about half pat 10 o’clock, the large barns attached to the Alms House, were discovered by the keeper, Mr. Edward DeWolfe, to be on fire. the inmates of the House were all in bed at the time, and it was with no small exertion that Mr. DeWolfe succeeded in driving out the stock, and breaking open the piggery—the alarm was immediately given, but the fire had made such progress, that before the engines and populace reached the premises, which are about half a mile from the town, all that could be done was to save the House and sheds from the devouring element, which was accomplished. In the barns were 17 tons of hay, 6 tons of grain, a large quantity of potatoes, 6 barrels of beans, 1 do. of peas, together with double and single harnesses, and all the farm implements.
            Mr. DeWolfe in addition to being slightly burned has suffered a very considerable loss, as the farm produce was owned by him and uninsured. There is much sympathy expressed for him in the community, as he is an honest an industrious man, and the loss will fall heavily upon him at this season of the year. It is to be hoped, that means will be taken to relieve him in his present depressed circumstance, and save a worthy family from utter ruin. The origin of the fire is a mystery, as the premises were apparently all safe at quarter past 9 o’clock.

Standard
Now 18/1857
The Market Square
Now that the railway extension has been completed to the market Wharf, there will be more space required for piling lumber, produce, etc., and as the market Square is already small enough for the requirements of the town, it would be advisable for the Justices to have the ground on which the Bank property stood, (known as the “Sime Stores and Wharf,”) filled up and thrown into the present square; the addition would then make the market Square something like a proper size, which it is not now. Besides, they should look forward to the increase of business, which will necessarily follow on the opening of the railway too Woodstock; as it is, with even the trade which is every day being developed, and rapidly increasing, there is not sufficient room for depositing freight brought down the line and complaints have been made of the highway to the Steamboat landing, having been filled up with cordwood for a day or two at a time, rendering the passage to and from the steamer not only difficult but dangerous. We notice that, in other place where trade has increased from the construction of railway and other causes, large sums were given by the City authorities to private properties for the purpose of converting them into public squares and landing places. In view of these facts, we trust their worships will, without delay, advertise for tenders for the repairing of the wharf, and filling up of the cellars and wharf, for the purpose of enlarging the Market Square.

Standard
April 28/1858
New Buildings--Last Friday frames of 3 new buildings raised, 2 on Water Street on "burnt district"--one a large, two-story frame for a store, owned by Jason Boyd, the other for a smaller store adjoining Bradford's Hotel and owned by John Breen. Edward Stinson owns third frame--intended for a Swiss cottage and situated on Harriet near old hay scales.
            Bradley preparing to erect store and dwelling corner Water/William. Gove erecting corner Montague and Princess Royal on Court House block.

Standard
July 6/1858
Market Square--The lot adjoining the Market Square, recently purchased by the magistrates for the purpose of enlarging the Square is being filled up, the burnt logs removed, and a substantial block built. It not only adds to the appearance but very materially increafses the size of the Square.