The Peru Woolen Mills in Ruins - loss about $150,000.
About 4 o'clock Tuesday afternoon 11th inst., the unusual cry of "Fire"
was heard upon our streets and almost immediately there was a general rush in the
direction of the Peru Woolen Mills located at a corner of Broadway and Canal Street and
owned by Messrs. H E and C F Sterne. To us, at least, it at first seemed hardly possible
that by far the most valuable manufactory in this city, or indeed in this section of the
state, was about to bceome prey to devouring element, but evry soon the fierce bursting
flames from the windows of the third story, furnished conclusive evidence to all
eye-witnesses that such was indeed the case.
The building was thought to be well protected against fire and for an ordinary building
the precautions seemed sufficient - there being a large water pipe attached to the engine,
passing up through the center of the building, with hose attached on each floor, and
although the entire force of water was turned against the flames as soon as discovered, it
did not seem to have the least affect and it soon became evident that no earthly powere
could stay the progress of the flames.
Origin of the Fire
We have been unable to learn more concerning the origins of the fire, than that it
started in the "Ticker room" on the third floor and was undoubtedly caused by
friction as there was no fire in the building outside the engine room - the entire
establishment being heated by steam. this room was lined throughout with sheet iron; yet
everything therein was co completely covered with oil that the momen the fire started it
sent forth a volume of smoke so suffocating that no one could withstand it.
Extent of Establishment
The entire ground extent of the building was 6 by 198 feet. The main building contained
5 floors, 3 of which were completely filled with all the machinery necessary in such an
establishment. The machinery was of the most improved kind, and nearly all of it was
purchased new about 2 and a half years since and when run to its full capacity,
manufactured 1,000 to 1,200 yards of goods daily. And the fact that two years past the
manufacture of the Peru Mills have taken most of the premiums offered for woolen goods at
our State Fair, is sufficient evidence that the establishment was among the best of its
class.
The Loss
The entire loss including building, machinery and stock we are informed will fall but
little short of $150,000 on which there was an insurance of only $63,000.
The employees
About one hundred hands were employed in the establishment, many of whom depended on
their weekly wages to support their families, and it is probably that among such this
calamity will cause actual suffering, unless relief be extended by our citizen.