Isle of Wight County Virginia USGenWeb Archives News.....Fire, 1921 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm ************************************************ "Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch," Aug. 18, 1921, p. 1, col. 3 PEANUT INDUSTRY OF SMITHFIELD IS WIPED OUT BY FIRE Isle of Wight Metropolis Suffers $500,000 Loss. Factories Burned. SUFFOLK'S GALLANT FIREMEN SAVE TOWN With Water Pressure Low, Arrival of Motor Pumps Halts Conflagration. When news of Smithfield's fire disaster reached Governor Davis yesterday, he at once sent the following telegraphic message to the Mayor of Smithfield: "I am greatly concerned to hear of the loss by fire at Smithfield, although I am thankful that the toll taken has been of property rather than of life. If I can be of service, call upon me." [Special to The Times-Dispatch.] SUFFOLK, VA., Aug. 17. - Smithfield. Va., the home of the Smithfield ham, and one of the historic towns of the State, was visited early this morning by a half-million dollar fire, which destroyed the entire wharf property, lying along the Smithfield River, and incidentally the large holdings of the Gwaltney-Bunkley Peanut Company, now owned by the American Peanut Corporation, with hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of peanuts. Fire broke out about 6 o'clock in the engine room of the main factory of the Gwaltney-Bunkley plants, and spread with incredible rapidity, until the whole town was threatened. Calls on Suffolk for Help. At 7 o'clock, telephone messages were sent to Suffolk for help. At 7:20 the big motored pumper, with a full crew of men, all experienced fire fighters, under the charge of Fire Chief R.L. Jacobs, was on its way, and at 8:15 the pumper was in Smithfield, and in less than five minutes, four big streams pumped from Pagan River were pouring on the conflagration. The Smithfield fire-fighting outfit, hampered by lack of pressure and the terrific flmes, was about out of commission when the Suffolk crowd arrived with their equipment, and throngs of cheering men and women ran out in the streets, some in tears and all shouting a welcome, "You have come to save us." Newport News Sends Help. Half an hour later the fire tug from Newport News arrived and did valiant service on the water front, the two detachments in less than two hours having the blaze under control, but not until $500,000 worth of property had gone up in smoke. At 3:30 o'clock this morning the watchman at the plants left with everything along the river front all right. At 6 A.M. the fireman at the main factory of the Gwaltney-Bunkley factory came on to make up the fire, and about fifteen minutes later discovered the fire in the hull room, near the engine room, of the main building. Alarm was sent out. The fire-fighting apparatus in the factory went out of commission when the spreading flames warped the pipes. The pressure of the town water pipes failed at the critical moment, and it was then that the blaze got its headway. The main factory of the Gwaltney-Bunkley Company, the storage houses, stables and outbuildings owned by P.D. Gwaltney; the big warehouse of P.D. Gwaltney, Jr., formerly owned ty J.R. Jordan; the workshops, Thomas' stables, all on one side the street along the water front; the big Independent Peanut factory, owned by the American Peanut Corporation, across the street, the warehouses, storage buildings, offices and wharves of the Newport News, Norfolk and Smithfield Steamship Company, formerly owned by the Old Dominion, and all coal (Continued on Page 2, Col. 4.) PEANUT INDUSTRY OF SMITHFIELD IS WIPED OUT BY FIRE (Continued From First Page.) houses; the Farmers' Union factory and a number of tenant houses in the rear of the main peanut factory of the Gwaltney-Bunkley Company, were all completely destroyed by fire which extended to the jail. Fortunately no one was in jail and the trouble of removing prisoners was averted. Move Stock From Stores. All along the river front were piles of merchandise which had been removed when it looked as if the pretty town was doomed, and after the arrival of the Suffolk engine they were taken back into the stores, which the coming of the Nansemond crew had saved. In the burned peanut factories and storage warehouses more than 9,000 bags of shelled Jumbos, the one warehouse, in addition, were 9,0000 [sic] bags of shelled Jumbos, the most valuable of all peanuts. Saved by the arrival of the fire-fighters was the old Todd Smithfield ham house, built in 1800, and the home of the famous Smithfield ham. Back of the factory were the great warehouses full of Gwaltney hams ready for market, which escaped the conflagration. The fire was checked as it reached the town electric lighting plant on the northwest and the P.D. Gwaltney store on the town side. Poles and burned wires fill the streets, and heroic efforts were made tonight to string wires along the back of the fire area, so that the town will not be in darkness. Early this morning as the Home Telephone Company spread the news of the fire hundreds of automobilists from Suffolk and the near-by sections crowded into the town, eager to be on hand to help and to see the fire. Deep Gratitude Expressed. Telephone messages from Smithfield asked that the newspapers express the deep gratitude of the Smithfield people to the Suffolk fire department. Commonwealth's Attorney George F. Whitley said: "Tell everybody that Smithfield owes the fact that it is still standing today to the work of the Suffolk fire department. No one here over saw better, quicker, finer work, nor more effective. They came at the crucial moment, and knew exactly what to do." When flames destroyed the main factory of the Gwaltney-Bunkley Peanut Company, the oldest peanut factory in the United States was no more. This factory was the second ever started in this country, perhaps in the world, and was begun by P.D. Gwaltney Sr., near fifty years ago. When Mr. Gwaltney, one of the two great pioneer peanut men of the country started this then little plant, the peanuts were all graded by hand, and into pans and buckets, machinery of the most primitive kind being in use. Since that day the plants begun in Smithfield has been improved and the industry had grown until the manufacture and cleaning of peanuts has come to be one of the great world industries. The loss today is about covered by insurance was the statement given out today by the insurance men who went in numbers from Suffolk to the scene of the fire. One of the features of the fire was the record made by the Suffolk crew, who stopped for nothing, making the run from Suffolk to Smithfield in less than an hour, telephoning ahead to have the bridges re-enforced by laying down heavy timbers. Smithfield ladies were out on the scene with baskets of ham and chicken sandwiches, hot coffee and other good things to refresh the fire fighters. Whether the American Peanut Corporation will rebuild at Smithfield is a matter already being discussed. ****************************************************************************** "Norfolk (VA) Post," No. 58 [sic; 57], Aug. 17, 1921, p. 1, col. 1-3 Million Dollar Fire At Smithfield MYSTERY BLAZE DESTROYS PIERS Peanut Warehouses Also Consumed By Flames. NORFOLK FIREMEN Aid In Fighting Fire On Waterfront. One million dollars worth of waterfront property, at Smithfield, Va., was completely destroyed by fire of unknown origin early Wednesday morning. The property destroyed is: Three peanut warehouses, owned by the American Peanut corporation. Peanut warehouse of the Farmers’ Union Co. Peanut warehouse belonging to P.D. Gwaltney. Two piers owned by the Smithfield, Newport News & Norfolk Steamship Co.; a woodworking plant belonging to N.C. Gwaltney. A livery stable owned by J. Waverly Thomas. All of the peanut warehouses were filled with peanuts. Started At 6 A. M. The fire started at about 6 o’clock in the main warehouse of the American Peanut Corp., from causes not as yet determined, and, fanned by a stiff breezy from the waterfront, quickly enveloped the whole of two blocks of waterfront property. Apparatus from Norfolk, Newport News, Suffolk and Isle of Wight-co responded to calls for help from the volunteer force at Smithfield. The fire was got under control at about 8:30 o’clock, and efforts of the firemen were turned to keeping it confined to the two blocks which were destroyed. The whole population of Smithfield had turned out by 6:30 o'clock and got together and formed a bucket brigade, and formed a bucket brigade assisting the volunteers. [sic] As far as can be learned, there were no injuries received by the firefighters and no persons were in any of the buildings when the fire broke out. The stock of peanuts in the warehouses was worth, it is estimated, $700,000, and the buildings and piers will aggregate about $300,000. Work of the firemen from neighboring cities saved the Smithfield light and power plant and other buildings adjacent to the two blocks burned. The Smithfield, Newport News, and Norfolk steamer, which was docked at Newport News Tuesday night, did not run Wednesday morning. ****************************************************************************** "World News" (Roanoke, VA), Vol. 38, No. 41, Aug. 17, 1921, p. 2, col. 6 MILLION-DOLLAR FIRE REPORTED AT SMITHFIELD Three Peanut Factories, Two Piers and Part of Residential Section Burned. Newport News, Va. Aug. 17. - (By The Associated Press.) - Fire early this morning destroyed three peanut factories and two piers at Smithfield, located on James River, and spread to the residential section, causing loss of nearly a million dollars. The blaze now is under control, according to telephone reports received by the Times-Herald here. The blaze started in one of the factories of the American Corporation from an unknown origin. All factories were owned by this concern which has branch houses in Norfolk. The fire departments of Battery Park, Suffolk, and other county points were called in and James River fire tugs reached the scene about 6:30 o'clock. The piers and factories were doomed, however, and the firemen devoted all their attention to saving the city. Flames swept inward from the shore line on a brisk breeze and several residences near the water were a smoking mass of ruins before the conflagration was halted. Hundreds of volunteer firemen were still fighting the dying blaze early today and the populace was returning to their homes with household affects grabbed as they dashed for safety after daylight. ****************************************************************************** "The Lakeland (FL) Evening Telegram," Aug. 17, 1921, p. 1, col. 6-7 NEWPORT NEWS, KANSAS CITY AND BROOKLYN REPORTED FIRES TODAY TOTALLING $3,500,000 Ten Factory Buildings In Brooklyn, The Kelly Mill Co. Plant In Kansas City, and Five Peanut Factories In Newport News Are In Ashes [...] Fire at Newport News Newport News, Va., Aug 17. - Fire early this morning destroyed three peanut factories and two piers at Smithfield, located on the James river and spread to the residential section, causing a loss of nearly a million dollars. The blaze now is under control, according to telephone reports received by the Times Herald here. Where Fire Started Newport News, Va., Aug. 17. - The fire started in one of the factories of the American Corporation. Its origin is not known, however all three factories were owned by this concern which has a branch house in Norfolk. The fire departments of Battery Park, Suffolk and other country points were called along the James river and these and the department reached the scene at 6:30 a. m. Smithfield Fire Disastrous Norfolk, Va., Aug. 17. - Fire at Smithfield, Isle of Wight county, early this morning destroyed five peanut factories and swept two entire blocks of every building. The loss is estimated at $700,000, including buildings, contents, and stock. The entire holdings of the American Peanut corporation, one of the largest operators in the field, were wiped out. The fire started in the main factory of the American corporation near the docks of the Smithfield, Newport News and Norfolk Steamboat company. It was discovered at 6:15 o'clock, and was fanned by a wind which swept the flames back from the water front after burning the steamboat docks. The buildings destroyed were: The Independent and Alliance peanut factories of the American Peanut corporation, and a storage factory owned by the company. The docks and warehouses of the Smithfield, Newport News and Norfolk Steamboat company; storage factory of P. D. Gwaltney; factory of the Farmer’s Union company, Inc.; livery stable of J. Waverly Thomas; woodworking plant of N. O. Gwaltney. The entire population of Smithfield turned out to assist the volunteer fire department of the town, and calls for assistance were sent to Newport News and Suffolk. An engine and a pumper were dispatched from Suffolk and a tug with emergency fire apparatus and a detail of men made a quick trip from Newport News. The additional fire fighting force arrived at the height of the fire and were able to succeed in getting the blazes under control at the light and power plant and the store of Joyner and Jones. The loss of buildings is estimated at more than $100,000, and that on equipment and stock at from $500,000 to $600,000. ****************************************************************************** "The Commonwealth" (Greenwood, MS), Aug. 17, 1921, WEEKLY ED., p. 1, col. 7 Peanut Factories Destroyed By Fire Associated Press NEWPORT NEWS, Aug. 17. - Fire of undetermined origin early today destroyed three peanut factories operated by the American Corporation at Smithfield and spreading to the residential section of the town, caused a loss estimated at nearly a million dollars before it was brought under control. ****************************************************************************** "The Ocala (FL) Evening Star," vol. 27, no. 194, Aug. 17, 1921, p. 1, col. 2 MILLION DOLLAR FIRE AT NEWPORT NEWS (Associated Press) Newport News, Va., Aug. 17. - Fire early today destroyed three peanut factories and two piers at Smithfield, on the James river, and spread to the residential section, causing a loss of nearly $1,000,000. The fire was under control at 9 o'clock. ****************************************************************************** "Hickory (NC) Daily Record," Aug. 17, 1921, p. 1, col. 2 SERIES OF FIRES CAUSE HUGE DAMAGE By the Associated Press. Newport News, Va., Aug. 17. - Fire early this morning destroyed two factories and two piers at Smithfield located on James river and spread to the residential section, causing damage estimated at $1,000,000. ****************************************************************************** "The Daily Times" (Wilson, NC), vol. 18, no. 133, August 17, 1921, Five O'clock Edition, p. 2, col. 5 THREE BIG FIRES IN COUNTRY TODAY Newport News, Va., Aug. 17. - Fire early this morning destroyed three peanut factories and two piers at Smithfield, which is located on the James river and spread to the residential section causing a loss of nearly a million dollars. The blaze is under control according to telephone reports received by the Times Herald here. New York, Aug. 17. - Ten factory buildings occupying a block in Williamsburg station of Brooklyn were destroyed by fire today. The loss was estimated at one million dollars. Kansas City, Aug. 17. - Damage estimated at approximately $500,000 was caused here today when the large plant of the Kelley Milling Company located in an eastside industrial district was destroyed by fire. The plant is supposed to have been struck by lightning during a severe electrical storm. ****************************************************************************** "The Washington (DC) Times," no. 11,977, August 17, 1921, FINAL HOME EDITION, p. 2, col. 4 $700,000 CONFLAGRATION SWEEPS SMITHFIELD, VA. NORFOLK, Va., Aug. 17. - Fire at Smithfield, Isle of Wight county early this morning destroyed four peanut factories and swept two entire blocks of every building. The loss is estimated at $700,000, including buildings, contents and stock, partly covered by insurance. ****************************************************************************** "Norfolk (VA) Post," Number 58, Aug. 18, 1921, p. 1, col. 1 MATCH BLAMED FOR FIRE Smoker Caused Smithfield Loss, Belief. A carelessly dropped match is blamed for the fire that Wednesday destroyed one million dollars’ worth of waterfront property in Smithfield. While the cause of the fire has not been positively fixed, it is attributed to smokers, in the absence of definite proof that other agencies were responsible. Incendiarism theory is scouted [sic; discounted?] by owners of the burned property, and no investigation by the state fire marshal will be asked, as was stated late Wednesday. Whether the burned plants will be rebuilt has not yet been decided. It is possible that the plant, if rebuilt, will be on a smaller scale. Directors of the peanut concern burned out will meet Saturday to determine their course of action. ****************************************************************************** "The Mena (AR) Weekly Star," vol. 38, no. 34, Aug. 25, 1921, p. 1, col. 3 PEANUT FACTORIES BURN. Blaze at Newport News, Va., Causes Loss of Nearly Million Dollars. Newport News, Va., Aug. 17. - Fire early this morning destroyed three peanut factories and two piers at Smithfield, located on James river and spread to the residential section,causing a loss of nearly a million dollars. The blaze now is under control, according to telephone reports received here. Additional information: A eyewitness account by William Henry SYKES, Jr., then 12, is including in the section on "THE GREAT SMITHFIELD FIRE," in Helen Haverty King's "Historical Notes on Isle Of Wight County" (pp. 388-93). 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