The scenes of Friday night and this morning will never be effaced from the memory of the people of Fond du Lac. The thing most dreaded at a time when everything was as dry as tinder has happened and the situation was met and dealt with as only willing hands and stout hearts could do. The loss is heavy but it might have been worse, but what is best of all no lives were lost and no serious personal injuries occurred.

Mayor Clark in Charge

Mayor Clark was early on the scene and took general charge of the fight on the fire. Chief Fire Marshal Cleveland and his men fought like demons, and much credit is due them for the service rendered. Chief Nolan and police force were on deck and rendered valuable service, keeping the crowed out of danger.

Viewed by Great Crowds

Although the fire started after most people had retired, the streets were soon crowded with people, hundreds of whom lent willing and heroic assistance in fighting the flames and aiding the people in the fire zone to get moved out.

“Served Coffee and Sandwiches

Ex-Mayor Doyle and a number of business men looked after the Interests of the fire fighters, serving them with sandwiches and hot coffee about 2 o’clock.

Alleys Patrolled

T.E. Ahern took charge of a squad of men and patrolled the alleys in the fire zone, turning over boxes which contained litter, and in which the sparks were apt to fall, thus lessening the4 danger of the fire spreading.

Assistant Fire Marshal Overcome

Assistant Fire Marshal Michael H. McGrath was overcome while fighting the fire at the Crescent garage, and it was some time before he was restored. Capt. McGrath was directing the work of the firemen from the south side of the building where the heat was intense and the smoke stifling.

Had Close Call

When the tower of the Congregational church started to fall a shout of warning was sent up for the firemen to get out of the way. The men handling the hose started, but none too soon, the last man in line being struck by falling brick and his helmet knocked off.

Barricades Erected

At 3:45 this morning Chief of Police Nolan had the fire zone cut off by ropes stretched across the street at Marr and First and at Marr and Second. Ropes were also stretched in the rear of the St. Joseph’s church.

Volunteers Do Good Work

The splendid work done by citizens in the role of volunteer firemen keeping the roofs of near by buildings wetted down contributed much toward the prevention of the spread of the fire which doubtless resulted in saving thousands of dollars worth of property. Willing hands assisted the residents of the fire zone in removing furniture and other belongings to the street.

Abundance of Water

While the water pressure at the beginning of the fire was light it was soon increased and in a little time it was possible to throw streams of water over the Grant school building

People Move Out

Many residents of Sheboygan street, First street and Second street moved out fearing that their homes might be in the path of the flames. A number of buildings that caught fire from the sparks were saved by the use of garden hose.

Too Late to Save Church

At about the time the roof of the Crescent garage went down a small blaze was discovered in the steeple of the Congregational church two blocks north of the main fire and for fully a half an hour a heroic effort was made to locate the chief or induce the firemen to give it their attention but without avail. Those who watched the first tiny blaze and its slow but sure growth are unanimous in the statement that for at least 45 minutes after it was first discovered that a single line of hose if not the chemical engine could easily have extinguished it – but when the fire fighters finally arrived it was too late and the beautiful structure was doomed.

Escape Through Cellar

Mrs. Mayham was almost overcome with the smoke and she escaped only through the aid of neighbors who helped her out through the basement and out into Third street through the rear of the lot

The house was filled with smoke making it impossible to reach the front doors without danger of suffocation.

Work Like Demons

The fire department worked like demons, while people half clad lent willing hands. Hundreds of families moved out of their homes. The street in the burning district were filled with household goods.

Called in From Park

Mr. Henry Boyle and family were at Winnebago Park where a messenger aroused them at 1 o’clock and informed them that their residence had fallen a victim of the flames. They hurried to the city to find that their home had escaped.

Store is Flooded

Water from Dr. Sorenson’s dental office flooded the Thiele Clothing store and goods were damaged to the value of several thousand dollars. Mr. Thiele discovered the water coming out at the front door an hour or two after the fire started, and moved the goods out of the way, probably saving a lot of stock from being ruined.