San Antonio, TX Globe Saloon fire, May 1883

A DANGEROUS FIRE.

Some Cowardly Incendiary Fires the Globe Saloon and Creates Considerable Excitement.

This morning about 2:30 o'clock the Globe saloon, in the Terrell block, on Commerce street, was discovered to be on fire, and in a few minutes after the flames burst out into the street. An alarm was raised and the fire bells called the firemen to duty. Shortly after Fire Company No. 2 and Hook and Ladder boys were at hand, and the hose was speedily affixed to the fire plugs on the Main plaza. The steam being up, the fire company gallantly played upon the raging element, although the head was at that time of the most intense character. The fother fire companies soon arrived, and then, with a good supply of water they gradually subdued the fire, but not before the ground floor and the contents of the saloon had been entirely destroyed. The room above was also much damaged, and there are indications that the adjoining rooms over Archer's and Freyer's stores were on the point of catching fire. Paul Archer's stock is somewhat damaged by fire and water, but not near to the extent of that of Freyer Bros., on the other side of the Globe saloon.

Mrs. Freyer and her husband were asleep in the room over their store when the fire broke out, but quickly escaped. Their room, however, escaped damage.

A large number of citizens gathered around the burning building and watched its progress with considerable interest. The crowd was considerably agitated by explosions consequent upon the overheating of the lime stone, of which the saloon walls are built.

The labors of the fire companies and the gallant behavior was a theme of pleasant conversation.

The extent of the loss is not known but it is supposed that it is fully covered by insurance.

In conversation with Detective Hughes the LIGHT commissioner was informed that there were distinct traces that the saloon had been deliberately fired by some person or persons unknown. Strange to say a similar attempt to fire the same building was made a short time ago. There can be no doubt that if much wind had prevailed and the fire company had not been promptly on hand the fire would have been an extensive one.

The San Antonio Light, San Antonio, TX 23 May 1883
__________________

Transcribed by Tim Taugher. Thanks, Tim!