Madison, WI University Fire, Oct 1916

MAIN BUILDING AT UNIVERSITY HAS $10,000 FIRE TODAY.

FIFTEEN HUNDRED STUDENTS HAVE MIRACULOUS ESCAPES FROM INJURY OR DEATH AT MADISON THIS MORNING WHEN THE MAIN HALL OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY IS DISCOVERED ON FIRE.

Madison, Wis., Oct. 10 -- At 1 o'clock this afternoon, the chief of the fire department and members of the faculty determined that the loss inflicted by the fire that partially destroyed the main building of the university this morning, would not exceed $10,000.
Most of the damage was done by the water which was poured on in great streams. At first it was thought the entire building would be destroyed but through the efforts of the firemen, the flames were confined to the dome and part of the roof.

Madison, Wis., Oct. 10. -- Fifteen hundred students, many of whom had miraculous escapes from death or serious injury, fled from the class rooms in the main hall of the University of Wisconsin this morning when fire of unknown origin swept through the structure, sthreatening to destroy the building.
The main hall is valued at $202,000 according to a sworn statement of the insurance department. The building is insured with the state fire insurance fund for $184,000. The contents of the building are valued at $46,000. The state fire insurance fund today has on hand $145,074.
The fire is believed to have started in the literary society room. It is also reported that the fire started in the dome of the building. The student members of the University fire brigade, augmented by the entire city department, fought the flames, which were fanned by a gale.
Upon the alarm being sounded, the classes in fire drill formation filed down the fire escapes for the most part. Others set to work removing papers and valuables.
Thirty minutes after the fire was discovered, the interior of the dome was a seething furnace. Students had previously been ordered to a zone of safety.
Governor Philipp announced that he would issure an amended call of the legislature which is scheduled to meet in special session this afternoon to place the proposition of a special appropriation for a new building before that body.

Sheboygan Journal Wisconsin 1916-10-10
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!