Misc: Disastrous Fire, Sept 1915,  Natchitoches Parish La
Source: Natchitoches Times Oct. 30, 1998 issue
Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker



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Sept. 10, 1915
Disastrous Fire: three Handsom Residences Near the Normal College Go Up in
Smoke on Monday night at 12 o'clock, the citizens of Natchitoches were
awakened by the fire alarm bells and the fireing of pistols, indicating fire.

The scene of the fire was the two-story residence and store property built
recently by Mr. Geo. L. Glass on Normal Avenue near the Louisiana State
Normal School.  The fire originated on the lower floor from a lamp which
had been left burning for some inmate of the house.

The fire in this building was under such headway before it was discovered
that it was soon seen that it was impossible to save it and efforts were
concentrated on the adjoining properties.  As always happens, things were
not in shape and nobody understood the working of the mechanism of the fire
apparatus, and two more houses were consumed--those of Mr. and Mrs. B. T.
Phleps to the south of the Glass property, and Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Ewing,
across the street and north of the Glass property.

It is stated that the fire hose was connected and everything gotten in
shape to save both these properties, except that there was no water.  The
key that is used in case of fire to turn the water by direct pressure
through the water pipes instead of into the tower, was missing, and nobody
knew where to find it.
     
Finally pressure was secured from the Normal School water system and some
good work done on the south side of the fire--preventing any further spread
in that direction.  As soon as the proper pressure from the city pipes was
secured the fire fighting force got the blaze under control and prevented
the spread to the north.

Thus, three nice properties went up in smoke.  All of them were valuable
residence properties and the loss totaled about $10,000, partly covered by
insurance.  The furniture was saved from the Phelps and Ewing houses.
     
It is to be regretted that this loss took place--and brings forcibly to
uor attention the absolute necessity for some kind of organization--or, at
least, a common understanding whre the necessary tools can be found in case
of fire.

Natchitoches has entirely too good a water supply and the natural pressure
in our pipes is too strong to lose good property simply through lack of
understanding and management.