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.

1857, May 10th, American Transportation Company's Chicago Warehouse Fire.

At about half past four o'clock, the large warehouse of the American Transportation Company, on Market Street between Washington and Madison Streets, was discovered to be on fire. The firemen were promptly on the ground and did excellent service, but before the flames could be subdued, the roof of the central building, a portion of the second floor and the front were nearly destroyed. Most of the windows were also broken out. 

There were but few goods in the building, those remaining unclaimed from last Fall's business, the greater portion of which were burned or badly damaged by water. The building was injured to the extent of some $2,000 and is uninsured. The damage to the goods is from $3,000 to $4,000, and probably a portion of them was insured by the persons who owned them. 

It is not known in what portion of the building the fire broke out, but from the fact that there was no fire in the building for two or three days past, it is supposed it was fired by an incendiary. Immediate measures are being taken to have the building repaired, and everything will be ready again in a short time.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.