1857, May 9th, Fire on Clark Street, Chicago.

At about 6 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, a fire broke out in the block of wood buildings on the west side of North Clark Street, near the Clark Street bridge. When discovered, the flames were proceeding from the roof of the larger-bier saloon of Mr. L Pottie, which building, and two others to the south of it, were completely burned out, the shells only being left. 

The buildings were all two stories. That occupied by Mr. Pottie was also owned by him; it was worth about $1,000. He estimates his loss at $3,000, against which he had insurance in a Philadelphia company for $2,000. The next building destroyed was owned by Alderman John Dunlap and was worth about $500 or $600. It was occupied as a larger-bier saloon by Mr. Sullivan, who lost most of his stock and fixtures. We have yet to learn whether he was insured. The third and most valuable building of those destroyed was owned by J.W. Waughop, Esq.. worth perhaps $1,200, and probably injured.

It was occupied below by Brauhn & Mohr as a larger-bier saloon and above as a dwelling by one of these gentlemen and his family. Their loss will not exceed $500 or $600, most of their property having been saved. They were insured for $1,000 by a Philadelphia company. Several of the occupants of other buildings in the block sustained more or less damage by removing property. The origin of the fire is unknown.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.