Portland, OR Grocery Store Fire, May 1903

Grocery Store Burned

Firemen Work Under Difficulties in South Portland.

Fire, probably of incendiary origin, last night destroyed the grocery store and stables of William Strahlman, at the southeast corner of Walter and Montgomery streets. The store stock was almost entirely ruined by fire or water. Twenty-five horses in the barn were released and led from the flaming structure. The loss is nearly $5000, almost covered by insurance.

The fire was discovered by Strahlman while in his way home from the theater. His wife and children were with him, and as they reached the corner of Front and Montgomery, which overlooks the scene of the fire, Mrs. Strahlman noticed a light in the direction of the store. In an instant it was apparent that the whole building was aflame, and Strahlman hurried to the nearest fire-alarm box, No. 39, at the corner of Water and Harrison.

By this time the roof of the store building was a mass of flames and the fire was rapidly spreading to the stable, which is down hill below the level of Water Street.

Oregonian, Portland, OR 25 May 1903
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Transcribed by June. Thanks June!