Jerauld County, SD News.....Conflagration December 7, 1888
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Wessington Springs Herald December 7, 1888
Conflagration

Wessington Springs' Misfortune

Over $15,000 Worth of Property Destroyed

    On Wednesday morning about two o'clock the dry goods and general merchandise
store of Albert & Vessey was discovered to be on fire which originated under the
steps at the front of the store, and the wind being in the northwest, the entire
building was in flames. A heroic effort was made to remove some of the goods but
the building burned so rapidly that little could be saved. From the first it was
evident that other property close by must suffer and the work of removing goods
and furniture began along the south side of main street. Soon the Wessington
Springs Hotel was in flames together with the barns and other out buildings. The
office occupied by Judge C. E. Hackett was burned, but the records of the
Probate Court were saved.

    The gasoline house of Morse & LaPoint was burned, together with about 300
gallons of gasoline.

    The fire left the town and ran southeast, to the gulch, and but for the
short grass in the pasture on the Parkhurst ranch the hay, barn and other
improvements there, would no doubt have been destroyed.

    Albert & Vessey's loss is estimated at 10,000, with but 6,000 insurance.

    The hotel property was valued at $5,000, with 3,000 insurance. Morse &
Lapoint suffered to the extent of about $200.

    This is a great misfortune to our village. The two finest buildings in the
place destroyed and business interrupted for the time being.

    Albert & Vessey will open up for business again as soon as new goods can be
ordered. This firm has done much to build up the town and should receive the
hearty support of all their old customers, as well as many new ones. Give them
your trade and extra dollars in this their hour of need.

    The place feels the loss of the hotel more than all else. It was advertised
for sale, by the administrator on next Saturday, but the fire fiend has
converted it into cash before hand, providing the insurance is good. With things
in the present shape it seems improbable that the hotel will be rebuilt, for the
present at least. Those interested in the property have sustained a serious loss.

    The losses sustained by all can be illy afforded. Yet there are many
thankful sighs that it was no worse.

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