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1873
THE FIRE FIEND
Destruction of the Palatial Residence of R. E. Goodell, Esq.
Last
evening, about half past six o’clock, the fearful cry of “fire!” was
heard on the streets, which had the effect of starting our people from
the warm firesides around which they were generally draw, as the cold
without was so intense that humanity was not easily lured into the
biting atmosphere. Soon after the first faint cry the bells sounded a
general alarm, and men, women and children rushed to the doors of
business houses and dwellings, and from thence into the streets, as the
intelligence was borne from one to another that the residence of our
well-known fellow citizen, R. E. Goodell, was in flames. Repairing to
the spot, we soon had ocular demonstration that the repot was only too
true. Even then, which was some time before the arrival of the engines,
the flames were bursting from the rear of the building and climbing up
the staircase, greedily consuming everything of a combustible nature,
and it was all too evident that the beautiful structure was doomed, and
that the morning sun would look down upon a mass of charred debris, in
lieu of the stately edifice, which was a marvel of architectural beauty,
and a source of just pride to the humblest of our citizens, who rejoice
in the elegance and taste displayed in the design and finish of many of
the buildings which go to adorn our city, and give her the proud
eminence she enjoys among her sisters. The people of Springfield will
not alone regret destruction of this beautiful building. Hundreds of
people in different portions of the state have partaken of the princely
hospitality of ex-Governor Matteson and Mr. Goodell, and they will hear
with unfeigned regret of its loss.
The origin
of the fire is not certainly known, but from what we can learn, it seems
the family of Mr. Goodell has been absent for some time, and that last
evening Mrs. Goodell returned, and was stopping at the house of a
friend, until the house could be comfortably warmed for her reception.
Fire was started in the furnace, and all that is known is soon after a
passer-by discovered a light blaze through the windows, and gave the
alarm. Hundreds of people flocked to the scene, and the fire department
responded as soon as practicable, but their utmost efforts to stay the
march of the fire fiend were ineffectual. The supply of water, for some
reason or other, was entirely inadequate, but had not this been the case
we think they could have accomplished but little, as the fire had made
so much headway, and the house was so filled with smoke as to be
absolutely suffocating. When at length it became evident to all that
the building would not be saved, the doors and windows were forced, and
an effort was made to save the furniture and such other articles of
value as might be accessible. Many willing souls were found to brave
the cold, and even risk life in this direction, but they only met with
indifferent success. One or more costly mirrors, some books, chairs,
etc., on the first floor were removed intact and moved to a place of
safety. The marble statue of Douglas, which graced the front hall, was
removed, though in a somewhat damaged condition, one finger and the
scroll which he held in his hand being broken off. Much more, perhaps,
might have been saved, had it not been for the fact that so long as
there seemed the most remote chance of extinguishing the flames, there
was an evident reluctance to bring to bear on the costly and beautiful
doors the rude battering ram through whose agency alone they could be
forced. Soon after this was done the advancing flames and falling
embers warned all from the interior of the building, and they joined the
throngs in the yard and on the sidewalks, and stood helplessly watching
the grand yet melancholy spectacle of the edifice succumbing to the
action of the flames, which rapidly consumed the remaining furniture,
the floors, the doors and window-casings, eventually gaining the tower,
around the woodwork of which they hissed and crackled, ever and anon
darting a lurid sheet high in the air, seeming enraged that there was
not more combustible material on which to feed. Innumerable sparks and
embers filled the air, and were carried to a long distance, causing
apprehensions in the minds of many of other conflagrations, but happily
they were not realized, and the night wore on without further disaster,
the gardener’s house, the costly green houses, and other out-buildings
escaping unscathed. The “fire ladies” kept watch during all the hours
until 4 o’clock this morning, when, assured that their services were no
longer required, they repaired to their homes to “thaw out,” no accident
having befallen any of them, that we can hear of, except Mr. Chris.
Decker, assistant engineer of the Button machine, who received quite a
severe cut on the hand from a piece of falling slate from the roof.
The building
was erected by ex-Gov. Matteson, in the year 1856, but has since passed
into the hands of his son-in-law, R. E. Goodell, Esq. As before stated,
it was a model of architectural beauty, the question of expense having
apparently not been considered by the governor in his determination to
fit up a princely home for himself and those who should succeed him.
The external appearance of the edifice was very fine, and the interior
decorations were all executed in the highest style of art, and were
perhaps almost unequaled by those of any residence building in the
state. The furniture was correspondingly elegant throughout, and the
wholesale destruction is regarded as little less than a public calamity.
We have no
means of ascertaining the exact cost of the premises, as reports in
regard to the matter are conflicting, but it is probable that it will
not vary much from $100,000. The insurance was mostly, if not entirely
in Cairo offices, and is said to amount to $42,000.
Illinois State Register
- January 29, 1873
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE
The
Residence of Hon. R. E. Goodell in Ruins
Origins of
the Fire - - Incidents, Insurance, Etc.
The cry of
fire is always a fearful sound at any season of the year, but it is
peculiarly so when the thermometer is down to six degrees below zero, as
was the case in this city yesterday evening. This fact was fully
realized last evening at about half past six o’clock, when the bells
upon the engine houses sounded the alarm of fire. The pulse of every
man owning property in the city beat faster and faster until the
location of the fire became known, and then each felt that they, at
least for a time, were safe. A short time after the alarm it was
announced that the palatial residence of Hon. R. E. Goodell, better
known as ex-Governor Matteson’s mansion, situated on Fourth Street
nearly opposite the Governor’s mansion, was on fire. The news blanched
many a cheek, and a fearful foreboding pervaded the public mind. Crowds
of people, men, women and children, notwithstanding the intense cold
were seen wending their way to the doomed mansion. Many fears were
expressed that the cold was so intense that the water would freeze in
the hose, and thereby the engines become useless, but these fears were
soon dissipated by the well known click of the “Little Button” as she
commenced operations. The
FIRE DEPARTMENT
promptly answered the
summons, and the “Little Button” took position at the corner of Fourth
and Jackson Streets, and commenced operation. The Silsby rotary engine,
we are credibly informed, was delayed for nearly twenty or thirty
minutes by balky horses that could not be induced to move, and did not,
until a rope was attached to the engine, and by the help of some thirty
or forty men the machine was taken to somewhere near Adams Street when
the “obedient” (?) horses concluded to do the balance of the work, and
the engine was then place at the corner of Cook and Fourth Streets, and
when there, promptly commenced work. After working for a short time,
the hose burst, and a slight delay occurred while attaching a new hose.
The engines worked well, and the several members of the fire department
are entitled to credit for their efforts. The origin of the
FIRE
is not known. We can only
state the matter as reported. A well known gentleman of this city,
while passing along Fourth Street, noticed a thick volume of smoke
coming out of the tower on the east side of the building. He
immediately went to the basement of the house where the furnaces are
situated, where he found two men, employed to tend the furnaces. He
informed them that the house was on fire, but they were incredulous, and
thought he must be mistaken. He soon convinced them of the fact, and
the alarm was given as soon as possible. At this time the flames were
making fearful progress up the winding stairway leading to the top of
the tower. Another
REPORT
is that the fire when first
discovered was in the hall, near the principal stairway. A lady in the
Bettie Stuart Institute saw the fire, and with two or three young
ladies, members of the school, started with several pails of water but
on arriving at the house were informed by several persons who had
arrived before them, that they were too late and could do no good. The
lady informed our reporter that she thought the fire could have been put
out, at that time with buckets. The house was
HEATED
with an approved steam
apparatus, the boiler being situated in the basement. The floor of the
apartment is of brick, and if the whole contents of the furnace was to
be placed upon the floor it would in no wise endanger the building. Our
reporter interviewed parties who are intimately acquainted with the
construction of the furnace and the plan of heating the building, and
they cannot understand how the fire could have occurred, unless by the
displacement of a brick in the very large chimney or flue, thereby
bringing some portions of the wood work in contact with the fire. This
appears to be the correct theory, from the fact that the person in
charge was perfectly acquainted with the furnace and its management. On
the first discovery of the fire, several excitable persons broke in the
windows, thus admitting food for the flames; and it is believe by many
that but for this, the result might have been somewhat different; this,
however, is quite doubtful. While the flames were ascending the
staircase of the
TOWER
like a fiery serpent, folding
everything in its deadly embrace, the citizens were removing the
furniture, pictures, mirrors and other valuables from the story above
the basement, and by their efforts a large amount of valuable property
of various kinds was saved, some, however, in damaged condition. The
yard, and several rooms of the Bettie Stuart Institute are filled with
articles saved from the burning building. Among the property saved, we
learn that nearly all of the valuable books belonging to the library
were secured in a place of safety. The
BUILDING
was one of the most costly
and elegant private residences in the country. The original cost of
erecting it with the outbuildings being not far from $95,000, and at a
time when materials were fully thirty-three per cent less than at the
present time. The structure and out buildings were of brick, and no
expense was spared in their erection. The servants house, carriage
house and green house, together with other out buildings were saved
without damage. The beautiful mansion, which only yesterday was filled
with many rare and beautiful works of art, is now a ruin with only the
bare walls standing. This is a great loss as it was one of the most
costly private residences in the city, and of which all were justly
proud. At the time of the fire the only person in the house was the man
in charge of the furnace, etc., Mr. Goodell and family and ex-Governor
Matteson and family being in Chicago.
Mrs. Goodell
arrived from Chicago last evening, and the first news that greeted her
was, that her home was in flames. The
INSURANCE
upon the building is reported
to be about $42,000, principally secured in the companies represented by
Mr. Safford, of Cairo. We learn there was an insurance of $7,000 in the
Home, of Columbus, Ohio, and $10,000 in the Underwriters; the balance in
companies not known. The loss is estimated at about $50,000.
During the fire,
fortunately there was but little wind, yet the sparks from the burning
building were carried the distance of several blocks in a southeast
direction, but fortunately no other buildings took fire, although there
was much danger at the commencement of the conflagration. Had the wind
been, as on the previous evening, several large and costly residences
must have been destroyed. The loss is great, but all may be thankful
that the conflagration was extinguished without loss to the adjoining
property.
Illinois State
Journal
– January 29, 1873
THE FIRE –
The destruction by fire
of the palatial residence of Hon. R. E. Goodell, of this city, on
Tuesday evening last, an account of which appeared in the JOURNAL, is
felt to be almost a public calamity. As heretofore stated, the
structure was one of the most costly and beautiful in the State, having
been built and furnished without regard to cost. The furniture was the
most elegant and expensive the market afforded, and in all the
appointments it was not surpassed by any private residence in the
country. As heretofore stated a large portion of the library was saved;
and we are pleased to learn that the statue of Douglas was saved, though
we regret that it was somewhat damaged in the removal.
Hundreds of the
residents of this city and country visited the ruins yesterday. As a
matter of interest we would say that the walls of the building are
standing, only a very few bricks having been displaced by the falling of
the immense slate roof. The piazzas on the east and north appear to be
uninjured, and the walls look as though another roof might be placed
upon them with but slight repairs. There is nothing new in regard to
the origin of the fire, but it may be set down like thousands of other
cases to a defective flue. This should be a warning to our citizens,
and should lead them to examine the furnaces and flues in their
respective residences and places of business. Full three fourths of all
fires in the country are caused by defective flues, and too great
vigilance in this matter cannot be exercised.
In relation to
the insurance, we learn that in addition to the amounts already given,
it is thought that there is $10,000 insurance in each of the following
named companies: Aetna, Phoenix and Hartford, of Hartford, Conn.
THE TERRIBLE COLD – The
present winter is, thus far, one of the coldest ever experienced in this
section of the country, so says “the oldest inhabitant”; and we think
the old fellow is right in his opinion. With the present rate of
increase in the degrees of cold reported for the last few days,
Minnesota will have to look sharp to her icy laurels or she will come
off second best, and be obliged to give place to Illinois. For several
days past the cold weather has been extreme. Mr. Thomas Knox has
furnished us with the following statement of the degrees of cold
yesterday morning, as indicated by the thermometer, in the following
locations in this city: At the State House at 7:50 a.m. the mercury
marked 24 degrees below zero; at P. W. Harts’ drug store, south side of
the square, 25 degrees below; at J. D. Roper’s on Mason Street, between
9th and 10th, at 6 o’clock, 20 degrees below, at 7
o’clock 21 degrees (below), and at 8 o’clock 19 degrees below
zero; at the JOURNAL office at 8 o’clock a.m. 16 degrees below zero; at
Joseph Merritt’s, 26 degrees below; at N. H. Ridgely’s, on 6th
Street, 28 degrees below; at Mr. Fuller’s on 7th Street, near
Cook, 27 degrees below at 8 o’clock.
Outside of the city, at the 5th
Street Railway stables, south side, the mercury marked 31 degrees
(below), and at Oak Ridge, 37 degrees below zero.
If any reliance is to be placed upon the
various thermometers as to the degree of cold, yesterday will be classed
as one of the coldest, if not the coldest day ever experienced in
Central Illinois.
Illinois
State Journal
– January 30, 1873
FIRE POLICE – The late fire,
which destroyed the fine residence of Hon. R. E. Goodell, of this city,
affords a lesson which should not go unheeded by our “city fathers,” in
regard to the management of fires and the protection of property which
may be rescued from the flames. At the fire above referred to, it is
notorious that irresponsible persons, at the commencement, broke in
windows and did other acts without authority, every one, apparently,
acting upon his own responsibility. Under this condition of affairs
many valuable articles of furniture were thrown outside and damaged,
which with proper management might have been saved. Many, if not all of
the persons thus engaged are actuated by the best of motives, and labor
with a zeal truly commendable, but they need direction of someone who
has authority to direct in such cases. The more valuable the property
to be removed, the greater is the necessity for care and watchfulness,
that articles saved from the conflagration, shall be found in the
morning. The engineers, firemen and hosemen, cannot be expected to
attend to anything but their respective duties, and the result is that
every man disposed to do anything, goes in on his muscle, and does what
he thinks best. There is another class which may always be found at
fires, viz.: those who prey upon the misfortune of others, and who never
take anything not within their reach. Much might be said in relation to
this last matter, but a simple hint may be sufficient. In view of the
above facts, we would suggest to our city authorities the importance of
having an efficient body of men who shall, on all necessary occasions,
act as a fire police, and whose duty it shall be to be present at all
fires, for the purpose of removing and protecting property. Such an
organization might be formed, the members only receiving pay for the
time they should be on duty. We simply throw out this suggestion, with
the hope that our City Council may take the matter under consideration,
and take such action as wisdom shall direct.
Illinois
State Journal
– January 31, 1873
OLD STATE HOUSE
The frequent
occurrence of sickness and death among members of the General Assembly
leads to the belief that the structure of the rooms is radically
defective, and that the mischief comes from imperfect ventilation.
To some
extent this may be true. That building never was a source of pride to
the people of Springfield or the State. In the first place, the State
sold bonds and borrowed the money to build it – except fifty thousand
dollars levied upon the citizens of the then village of
Springfield.
Then, quite
as much as now, everything in the shape of a money job, was made in some
way, to pay off political service. The erection of the building was
placed in the hands of three commissioners – one a very poor house
carpenter, another a physician, and the third a clever old farmer, all
of whom were utterly ignorant of the business entrusted to them.
So, to round
the circle of absurdity, a baker was made chief architect – a man who
could raise good bread, but knew nothing of raising stone walls. He got
a very good plan from Philadelphia, and in order to make it original,
altered it just enough to spoil it. The building was squatted down in a
mud-hole. “Lake Lorshbaugh,” as the public square was called, has been
improved by drainage, but there stands the structure, low down like a
canvasback duck, inviting criticism without and dampness within.
The new
State House stands on high, natural ground, a beautiful knoll from
whence is easy drainage, and to be so constructed that ceilings will be
high, rooms large, and every part, including basement, open to complete
ventilation.
It would be
well to have the work go on at a rate that will transfer the General
Assembly from the old to the new building, at the next regular session.
Then we will see how far the present place of meeting is responsible for
the sickness of which complaint is made.
Some propose
to hold back appropriations until more land is acquired. The
particular reason for that proposition will repay enquiry.
Going back
to the matter of health it may be suggested that it is not
Springfield – not even the old State House, defective as it is, that can
be charged with the trouble. Most of the members of both Houses, in
coming here, submit necessarily to such a digression from their usual
habits of living, as to seriously affect health under the most favorable
circumstances. Take a farmer, mechanic or man in any active business at
home. He eats plain, wholesome food. He is out in the free air during
all kinds of weather, actively employed. His hours of sleep are ample
and his mind free from distractions.
Now, dress
him up in tight, fashionable clothing. Change his diet to the high
seasoned food of the hotels and boarding houses. Shut him up at night
in a small, ill-ventilated bedroom, and during the day in a hot, fetid
and ill-ventilated hall, with an hundred and fifty others. From bedroom
and hall to the open air, the change is so rapid that few can escape the
evil consequences. Thirty years ago intemperance might have been set
down among predisposing causes of sickness, but we are happy to say that
it makes no part of that account now. Sobriety, correctness of habits
and deportment are the characteristics of our public men. Therein is
great gain.
The same
complaint that is made about the sickness among those who come here in
attendance upon the sittings of our General Assembly, is made
with equal justice against all State Capitals. We have known Columbus
the capital of Ohio, on the bank of the clear flowing Scioto, fifty feet
above high water, perfectly drained, and with airy public and private
buildings, more bitterly denounced than has even been the lot of
Springfield. The same of Detroit, Madison, Jefferson City, Nashville,
Albany and Indianapolis.
The evil
will not disappear when we get into our new State House, though its
mitigation may be looked for. It may be set down for truth, that two
hundred men cannot change their residence, habits of life and business,
food, hours of labor and rest, and come together under many trying and
disadvantageous circumstances, without a shock to health – no matter
where they go.
Illinois
State Journal
– March 1, 1873
OUR STINKS
The
Duty of the Authorities and the People
On
Saturday evening last, in company with Mayor Hay and Alderman Enos, we
took a short ride through certain streets and alleys of the city on a
tour of inspection, and the accumulated filth of every conceivable kind
that was everywhere found, shows the necessity of an immediate and
vigorous prosecution of the work of sanitary reform. To begin with, the
condition of Capitol square is simply a disgrace to our boasted
civilization. It is used as a common hay market and feed lot, and the
result is, it is literally covered with straw, which, becoming damp and
moldy, emits a noxious exhalation that must necessarily tend to the
propagation of pestilential diseases. Then again, the alleys,
particularly those contiguous to the business portion of the city, are
filled with all manner of garbage, and in many places ash and manure
heaps are encountered of such magnitude that the passageway to vehicles
is well nigh completely obstructed. A rainfall, such as that of last
night, serves to make these muck heaps, and the effect of the action of
the warm sun which succeeds, all may readily imagine. Hog wallows are
not unfrequently met with, the result, often, of imperfect surface
drainage, and the stench, which arises from them, is at times almost
unendurable. Old bones, and kitchen offal generally, are, by untidy and
careless people, thrown into the streets and alleys, and there left to
decay and putrefy, and the wind takes up the deadly miasmatic fumes and
scatters them throughout the city, thus infecting the most cleanly
districts, and paving the way for a season of disease and death, which
thoughtful and observing people cannot contemplate without a shudder.
Medical men comprehend the situation fully, and here, as elsewhere, have
sounded the note of warning.
This being
true, is not the duty of the authorities plain? Cholera, having for
some time been stalking abroad on its work of death in other portions of
the country, may on any day show its hideous front among us, and render
our fair city one vast charnel house. It is not our object to create any
unnecessary alarm, but to arouse the people to a sense of their duty.
Decency, leaving the sanitary question entirely out of sight, should
prompt us to proceed with the work of abating the filth-heaps, the
cesspools and the improper drainage that notoriously abound on every
hand. A board of health, composed of the mayor and a number of leading
physicians, has been organized, and we believe that every member of it
is anxious to do his whole duty, but to enable them to make their work
thorough and effective they require and should have the moral support of
all of our people. They will receive such support from the hands of all
good citizens; those who withhold it are not good citizens, and
every man of them who refuses to comply with the legal and reasonable
requirements, of the board, should have the full penalties provided by
municipal ordinance for such cases, inflicted upon him. If these fail
to accomplish the desired result, then offenders should be squeezed by
cholera until brought to a realizing sense of their duty. Let the
sanitary police go to work now, and do their duty, without fear, favor
or affection, and it will not be many days until the city is in a proper
hygienic condition.
Illinois State Register
– June 30, 1873 |
