1857, April 12th, Fire on Clark Street, Chicago.

On Sunday morning at about 8 o'clock, a fire broke out in a row of one-and-a-half-story frame buildings on Clark Street, just south of Madison Street. Six buildings were partly destroyed, and the occupants were driven out. 

This illustration is a visual aid. Clark Street, the 1870s.

№ 149 was occupied as a bakery and saloon; № 151, by Jacob & Anhalt, dealers in ready made clothing; № 153 by A. Herzog, hat and cap store; № 157 by William Yearsburg, hat and straw bleaching establishment; № 157 as a cigar store and saloon. The whole amount of damage is probably not over $2,000. There was no insurance.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

1857, March 6th, Fire on Wells Street, Chicago.

This photo is a visual aid.

The fire alarm at half-past 2 o'clock Friday afternoon was occasioned by the burning of the frame building № 223 South Wells Street. The lower floor was occupied by B. Canoe for a saloon, and the upper floor as a dwelling.

As was that of those occupying the adjoining buildings, Mr. Canoe's furniture was considerably damaged by moving. The adjacent buildings were saved by the Firemen. There was no insurance on the property.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.