$1,500,000 FIRE IN AKRON, O.

FLAMES DESTROY WHOLE BLOCK -- SEVERAL NARROWLY ESCAPE.

Akron, O. -- May 18. -- Fire in the seven-story Hower Power block today practically destroyed the building and its contents, causing a loss which it is thought will aggregate $1,500,000. Several girls employed in the building had a narrow escape. Firemen were in danger from falling walls.
The building was occupied entirely by light manufacturing companies. There was more than 200 employes in the building when the fire was discovered.
The blaze started in the basement and the occupants of the block had plenty of time to escape, although the young women were thrown into a panic. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Both the GOODRICH Rubber Company and the Diamong Tire Company lost thousands of dollars' worth of automobile tires.
There is about $800,000 insurance on the building and its contents.

Alton Evening Telegraph Illinois 1909-05-19
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!