Fairbanks Mills, ME Fire, May 1903

SWEPT BY FIRE.

Fairbanks Mills Loses Four Houses and Large Factory

Besides Several Small Buildings--Loss, $12,000; Insurance, $2000.

Farmington People Turn Out and Help Subdue the Flames

Farmington, Me., May 1--During a northwest gale, today, four houses, a large mill and two small buildings occupied as blacksmith shops at Fairbanks Mills were burned to the ground and for three hours the entire village was threatened by the flames. In addition a large piece of woodland was burned over. Burning shingles were carried a mile, setting fire to a field and woods and threatening a number of farm houses. The total loss was estimated at about $12,000 and the insurance about $2000.

The fire caught in the Hiram Butler homestead and quickly spread to the three dwellings, mill and shops which were destroyed. The Wilder building was used as a saw grist, spool and cider mill. At one time the Norton homestead, where Lillian Nordica, the singer, was born, was threatened with destruction.

A general alarm was sounded here and the Normal and High schools were closed that the male students might assist in subduing the flames.

Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME 2 May 1903
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!