"Distressing Calamity!" "Terrible Conflagration." "The Great Fire." These were headlines found in various local newspapers regarding the fire on August 20, 1871. The Great Conflagration was the most tragic fire to reach Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The fire started in a stable belonging to C. M. Baker on Black Horse Alley, now East Church St. The cause, however, was unknown, but the fire spread rapidly due to fierce wind blowing from the south. The fire started 8 P.M. on Sunday night near East Third St. and spread to Mulberry St., consuming most of Center Square, which was the essence of the city during the 19th century (7).
The Great Fire was an economic blow to the city. Destroying more than $300, 000 worth of valuables and personal assets to the citizens of Williamsport, the fire was the worst to ever hit the downtown area. Local landmarks consumed included W. A. Kinsloe grocery store, and the old log building, which early Courts were held. No longer in use at the time of the fire, the Courthouse was among the oldest historical sites of Williamsport. The Waverly House Inn, a millinery shop, and a confectionery shop were also among the ruins. The Wayne Train Station also suffered a fire-related accident, resulting in the consumption of an entire train, between ten and fifteen cars and the engine, and its contents (5).
Many residences of Williamsport's elite citizens were demolished as a result of the Great Conflagration. The Moulder family lost everything, left only with the clothes they were wearing at the time of the fire. Judge Gamble lost his stable, garden, and a valuable hog. Former Governor Packer lost his entire estate, including a treasured library valued at $10,000. Only $1,000 of the library was insured. Mr. Miller lost a valuable collection of Asian artifacts, which were ultimately irreplaceable.
The scaffolding of the newly built Mulberry St. M.E. Church had just been removed August 18, 1871. This church had been destroyed three years ago, almost to the day. The congregation had immediately raised funds and rebuilt the church, only to fall to another fire. The spire was the tallest in the city, for one day, and the $900 bell had never been rung except to alarm the city of the rising fire. Total losses for the church $26,000, although only $10,000 was insured. By August 23, the congregation of the church had taken necessary actions to begin the rebuilding of their church for a third time.
The role of the Williamsport's Fire Department was viewed as a complication of the city. The Lock Haven fire department was called upon to assist the locals. With the mass confusion and quarreling among the firemen, the procedures to cease the fire were delayed, and the fire proceeded to grow in intensity. It is believed that the fire would not have been as severe had the fire agency acted immediately. The quarreling resulted in a late response, but the firemen were renowned for their efficiency once they actually responded (1).
Although no one died directly from the Great Fire of 1871, there were some casualties due to the results of the fire. In failure of the fire department to knock down the weak walls of the Packer building, they fell just a day later, injuring spectators and entrapping them in the fallen rubble. The fallen walls ultimately resulted in the death of two girls, Amanda and Mary Mietzler. Amanda, the older of the Mietzler girls, died immediately suffering from head and lower body injuries. Mary died two hours after the accident, as a result of untreated wounds. The doctors believed that the repair of her leg was beyond their medical abilities. John White, a colored man, also suffered severe injuries (3).
Although the direct cause of the fire is unknown, accusations had been made, but not proved. A "prominent gentleman" suggested that the fire was started by a group of Confederate conspirators taking vengeance after the Civil War on their northern enemies. Using other northern fires as evidence, his theory gained popularity among Yankees (2).
With an attempted fire two years ago in the same location of origin, it is also believed that the fire may have been started by people foreign to the city of Williamsport. The widespread belief was that the immigrants and foreign born people of Williamsport had ample opportunity to start a fire knowing that many of the people of Williamsport were attending a nearby a revival camp meeting. These "desperados" were believed by the populace to be infesting the city and were most likely unjustly accused of setting the fire (6).
The Great Conflagration was the worst fire to ever hit the town of Williamsport. The fire consumed most of the city's center of business and culture. In addition to destroying landmarks, the Great Fire of 1871 also raised questions of the town's acceptance of foreigners. Citizens were quick to accuse those not native to Williamsport of problems that had occurred. Plagued with numerous fires to follow, the Fire of 1871 will remain the most destructive to the city of Williamsport (4).
