Knoch Building Fire

The aftermath.
The aftermath.

On August 9, 1898, the Ladies’ Literary Society held a fundraiser on the courthouse lawn to benefit the Mountain Echo Band. The event was well attended, and was to be followed by midnight banquet at the Masonic Hall, which had recently been acquired by David Knoch. At around 10:30 p.m. the alarm of fire originated with the clanging of the fire bell three blocks to the north. At first, those gathered at the Courthouse thought it was a false alarm. They could not see any signs of smoke or flames. By the time when it was realized the Masonic Hall was on fire, everyone quickly dispersed.

There was not a lot that the volunteer firemen could do. One of the problems was faulty hoses and nozzles. The most important task was to contain the fire to Hall, which they successfully did, even though they had to contend with burning embers cascading around them.

The fire was accidental in origin. It originated from a falling chandelier  in the banquet room. When W.S. Davis lighted the oil lamps, for reasons unknown the chandelier came crashing down. The oil splashed throughout the banquet room, igniting instantly. Fortunately, for Davis he was able to escape.

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