Canastota, NY Fire Destroys Downtown, Oct 1873

THE BEST PART OF CANASTOTA BURNED.

CHURCHES, STORES, AND RESIDENCES SWEPT AWAY -- AN APPEAL FOR AID.

Syracuse, N. Y., Oct. 27 -- A fire broke out in Canastota last night, which was suppressed this morning after burning over six acres of ground, destroying three hotels, thirty-two dwellings, and between forty and fifty places of business and offices. The total loss is estimated by the insurance agents at $150,000; the total insurance at $90,000. The fire was undoubtedly the work of an incendiary. The business portion of the town was all destroyed, except the Beecher Block. The citizens of Canastota held a meeting to-night and passed resolutions inviting the pecuniary aid of the charitable everywhere, and appointing MR. D. H. RASBACH, Cashier of the Canastota Bank, to receive any contributions. A committee was also appointed to investigate the cause of such frequent fires.
Additional Details.
The fire was first discovered shortly after midnight in a barn in the rear of the Beecher Block, and adjoining the Eagle Hotel, a wooden building on Centre street. It quickly communicated to the hotel and SPENCER'S manufactory of optical instruments, adjoining the Post Office. A strong southerly wind prevailed, driving the fire northward. The width of the track of fire was about half a block. The flames swept everything up to the canal; they then leaped over the canal, and traveling one block on the other side, made the destruction complete. The stores destroyed were mostly wooden, with occasional brick buildings interspersed. An engine sent from Oneida, and the Canastota engine played on the fire, but the violence of the gale, in spite of the drenching rain, neutralized all their efforts. Finally, there being nothing more to burn in that direction, the fire was subdued. Two hours before the discovery of this fire a barn belonging to the Central Railroad, and used for storing hay, was burned, together with 100 tons of hay and several cars. This was also the work of an incendiary.
The total loss foots up $150,000 and the insurance about $90,000, which is mostly in the German-American, Franklin, Lycoming, Glen's Falls, Hanover, Niagara, Royal, and New York Central Companies.
The following are the principal losers: BROWN & Co., dry goods, $20,000; insurance, $10,000. MOTTSWORTH'S Union Hotel, $6,000l; insurance, $4,000. D. B. MOTT, brick building, $10,000; insurance, $8,000. SIMEON CLOCK, rectifying establishment and grocery, $8,000; insurance, $4,000. D. H. RASBACH, brick residence, $8,000; insurance, $6,000. F. A. ANDREWS, hotel, $12,000; insurance, $8,000. NICHOLS & STANTON, clothing, $5,000; insurance, $3,000. The rest were small losses under $5,000.

The New York Times New York 1873-10-28
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!