Racine, WI multiple building fire, Dec 1909

$650,000 FIRE AT RACINE.

Whole Plant of the Racine Manufacturing Company Wiped Out.

RACINE, Wis., Dec. 12. - The plant of the Racine Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of automobile tops and piano stools; the Dania Brotherhood Hall, the Mitchell Wagon Works, and several residences were destroyed by fire early today, entailing $650,000 damage, of which all but $50,000 is borne by the Racine Manufacturing Company. The latter concern carried $250,000 insurance. The origin of the fire is not known.

The fire started in the mill room of the Racine Company's plant, which comprised six buildings and occupied a city block. The fire will put 1,200 men out of work.

The New York Times, New York, NY 13 Dec 1909
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$650,000 FIRE IN RACINE

Frozen Hydrants Hampered Firemen in Fighting Big Blaze

RACINE, Wis., Dec. 12. - The plant of the Racine Manufacturing Company, the Dania Brotherhood Hall, the Mitchell Wagon Works, and several residences were destroyed by fire today, entailing $650,000 damage, of which all but $50,000 is borne by the Racine Manufacturing Company. The latter concern carried $250,000 insurance. The origin of the fire is not known.

The Racine Manufacturing Company's plant comprised six buildings and occupied a city block.

It was the most costly fire experienced by Racine in twenty-five years. The firemen were hampered by frozen hydrants. Assistance came from Milwaukee on a special car, but most of the damage was done before aid arrived.

The Racine Manufacturing Company employed 1200 men, who will be thrown out of employment until the plant is rebuilt.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia PA 13 Dec 1909
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ENTIRE PLANT IN RACINE DESTROYED

LOSS OF SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND TO WISCONSIN MANUFACTURING CONCERN

TWELVE HUNDRED MEN ARE THROWN OUT OF WORK

Racine, Wis., Dec. 12. - The big plant of the Racine Manufacturing company, manufacturers of automobile tops and piano stools, and the Daniel Brotherhood hall, the Mitchell wagon works and several houses were destroyed by fire, entailing a loss estimated at $650,000, of which all except $50,000 is borne by the Racine Manufacturing Company.

The latter concern carried $250,000 insurance. The origin of the fire is not known.

The fire started in the mill room of the Racine manufacturing plant, which comprises six buildings. The flames spread quickly throughout the entire plant.

A saloon, a boarding house and several other houses were destroyed and damage was done to a dozen other homes. The firemen were hampered by frozen hydrants.

About 1,200 men will be thrown out of employment until the plant is rebuilt.

The Anaconda Standard, Anaconda MT 13 Dec 1909
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Transcribed by Tim Taugher. Thanks, Tim!