Harrisburg, PA Bakery Fire, Jul 1911

Harrisburg Bakery Is Prey To Flames

Establishment Owned by Bernard SCHMIDT, Largest in Central Pennsylvania, Destroyed

Special to the Inquirer.
Harrisburg, Pa., July 16. - The bakery of Bernard SCHMIDT, the largest in Central Pennsylvania, together with his residence and warehouse, was destroyed this morning in a fire of supposed incendiary origin. The flames communicated to the store and warehouse of Amos ENDERS, grocer, and they were ruined.

The fire broke out shortly after two o'clock and, although the whole fire department was summoned, the flames had such a start that the efforts of the firemen were confined to saving adjoining properties, seven of which were damaged.

The loss is estimated at $80,000, covered by insurance. The spread of the fire from the big bakery was so rapid that the SCHMIDT family escaped in their night clothing, not being able to save any of their personal effects. Mrs. SCHMIDT is seriously ill from shock.

The police have been working all day on reports that two men were seen about the place half an hour before the flames broke through the windows. The fire destroyed fifteen delivery wagons and an automobile, together with many barrels of flour.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA 17 Jul 1911

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Transcribed by Lori Hedges. Thank you, Lori!