1857, February 22, The Fire on Lake Street, Chicago—Incendiaryism.

On Sunday evening, at about 10 o'clock, the two-story frame clothing store of Clayburg, Rosenfield, and Vandeusen, on Lake Street near LaSalle Street, was discovered to be on fire. The alarm was promptly given, and the Department speedily arrived, but before the flames could be subdued, the clothing stores and Mr. Sweet's Jewelry store were destroyed.

The Fire Insurance Patrol № 6, 332 South Hoyne, Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Rosenfield lost about $3,000, upon which there was $1,000 insurance. Mr Clayburg was uninsured, and his loses about $1,500. Mr. Vandeusen's loss was about $1,000, fully covered by insurance. Mr. Sweet's loss was negligible. A considerable amount of clothing rescued from the fire was carried off by thieves, the police being anything but vigilant in taking care of the property.

Mr. J.C. Garland's store on the corner was on fire several times, but the building was saved in a damaged condition. Garland removed his stock which was considerably damaged by water.

The fire originated in the rear of Rosenfield's store, and as several attempts have been made to fire the premises, there is no doubt that the present fire was the work of an incendiary.

At 6 o'clock Monday morning, the fire broke out anew, kindling the building occupied by Brown & Hilliard Upholsterers. Their stock was mostly removed, but a large part of it is in a damaged state. The information was carried over to the Court House, but the bell ringer refused to ring the fire bell, and consequently, no alarm was given, and the building was consumed. The refusal was most culpable, as the adjoining buildings were in great danger owing to the licking flames and intense heat. The bell-ringer gave as an excuse that his orders are never to ring the bell twice for the same fire. Still, if we remember rightly, at the time of the burning of the warehouse of Mr. S.B. Pomeroy, the bell ringer was very zealous in sounding the alarm every hour or so. If these orders have been given, they should be at once countermanded, and if they were not, the bell-ringer is very blameable for his refusal to sound the alarm in time of danger.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.