The experience of Mrs. T. F. Mayham, whose home on East Second stree4t was consumed by the flames Friday night, is one that will be remembered by her forever. Mrs. Mayham was alone in the house and had retired early.

“I was awakened by a noise like thunder,” she said this morning, “and for a time I could not gather my senses and figure out what had awakened me. When I opened my eyes I saw that the window on the west side of my chamber was bright red and then (I) heard a confused roaring sound. We have been used to hearing noises in the garage at night, when the men have been tinkering about the machines, but I knew that this noise was different. The red glare convinced me in an instant that the garage was afire. I did not think for a moment that my home was in flames. I jumped out of bed and ran into the music room which is on the same side of the house and north of my bedroom. The telephone was on the piano and I grabbed it up quick to call the fire department. It seemed that I did not get central for about a minute, and then when I did I guess I spoke or rather shouted in an unnatural voice, for I remember central saying, ‘All right, lady, we hear you, lady.’ But I couldn’t get the engine house and while I was waiting the door bell rang and I opened it to admit neighbors who feared I had not got up. The fire spread so rapidly to my house that when volunteers asked me what I wished carried out, I directed them to save what they could from the east side of the house, as the west side was burning at the time. I remained in the house until Mr. Haber came in and told me that he feared the roof would fall any moment, and then I left. While we have always feared a fire in the building to the west, our fears had been lulled to a more or less extent because of long residence there, and the fact that nothing had happened. Dr. Mayham frequently said that he feared that if the building burned, it would burn the house. Our feeling of security was added to by the nearness of the fire station, and when I had thought what I would do should a fire start, it was always with the idea of calling the department at the No. 1 station. This I did as soon as I got up, but I couldn’t get the engine house.

I have not made any plans as yet, but I think that if we can get a comfortable home we will purchase it outright, rather than rent a place. We will look around and see if we can find a place suitable. The insurance on house, furniture and barn, is in my estimation, light, but I would not say for sure about this.”

Mrs. Mayham went on to state that had it not been that the barn in the rear of their residence was of brick with a tile and slate roof that the fire would have swept away residences on Third str