Minneapolis, MN Tower Hotel Fire, Nov 1950

SEARCH FOR MORE BODIES IN MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL FIRE.

Minneapolis (INS) -- Firemen probed the gutted ruins of the four-story Tower hotel in downtown Minneapolis today in search of more bodies where four persons died and nine were injured in a half-million-dollar fire.
The dead included NELS OLSON, 55; MRS. EDNA SELL, about 45; and HENRY M. JENNINGS, 67. A fourth male victim was not identified.
Twenty residents were carried down ladders by firemen when flames blocked other exits yesterday. Another 80 made their own way to safety.
Most seriously injured were MADGE SIMPSON, 46, who suffered first and second degree burns, and fireman EDWARD HORTON, 27, who was overcome by smoke. The others were released after emergency treatment in Minneapolis General hospital.
Two of the bodies were found on the fourth floor, another was in a tower two floors above the main building.

The Mt. Pleasant News Iowa 1950-11-27

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4 LOSE LIVES IN MILL CITY HOTEL BLAZE.

Minneapolis (AP) -- Fire raced through the upper floors of the four-story Tower hotel Sunday, killing four persons and injuring six. Seventy-five guests fled to safety in sub-freezing temperatures.
The hotel is located about a mile from the city's retail district on Seven Corners near the University of Minnesota campus.
Firemen carried several guests down ladders to safety. Fire Chief REYNOLD MALMQUIST estimated the loss near $500,000.
Destruction of the registration list delayed for several hours identification of the dead, all permanent residents of the hotel. Seven stores in the building were damaged by smoke and water. Firemen fought the blaze more than five hours before bringing it under control.
The dead:
NELS OLSON, 53.
HENRY M. JEMMINGS, 67.
MRS. EDNA SELL, about 45.
GUST ROSEN, 70.
A 77 year old hotel guest, O. J. LaDOUCRE, clung to a chain support of a sign for 10 minutes before firemen rescued him.
Another guest, PATRICK SCHULZE, 53, ran back into the burning hotel in a futile attempt to find his wallet containing $400.
"I got some clothes," he said, "but couldn't find my wallet."
Cause of the blaze was not determined.

Austin Daily Herald Minnesota 1950-11-27
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!