Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2017 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Port Huron Times-Herald Monday, February 23, 1914 COUNTY POOR FARM BURNS SEVENTY-THREE INMATES ARE RESCUED PATHETIC SCENES ENACTED PAUPERS CRY AS THEY SEE PLACE RAZED BY FLAMES TEMPORARY SHELTER IS GIVEN THEM AT CHURCH AND MACCABEE HALL Rescue Work is Carried on Without a Hitch and Everything Done to Comfort Inmates Some of the supervisors, at a special meeting this afternoon, issued a call for March 3 in this city at which time the members will take up the construction of a new building and the matter of housing the inmates left homeless by Sunday's blaze. The committee of the board of supervisors which has charge of the poor farm is as follows: LAMBERT RECOR, chairman; S. O. AIKMAN, HENRY PEASLEY, FRED C. ADAMS, and MARTIN J. STOFFER. The main structure of the St. Clair county poor farm at Goodells is today in ruins and the 73 in- mates are being cared for at the Maccabee hall in the village. Fire broke out on the roof of the large building shortly before noon on Sunday and the first inti- mation that Superintendent COWLES had of the im- pending danger was when a portion of the roof fell in. Within a few minutes the top story of the main structure was a mass of fire, which later spread to the east and west wings. The inmates had just eaten their noon meal when the alarm was sounded and a panic followed. MRS. COWLES with great presence of mind informed the central girl at the Goodells telephone exchange of the fire and within a few seconds the operator was notifying residents of the village and nearby farmers of the fire that was sweeping the county farm. Fight the Flames Men and women flocked to the scene and within a few minutes a volunteer fire fighting brigade was at work. Previous to the arrival of the volunteers, Superintendent DEMPSTER COWLES, together with em- ployes of the farm and some of the more active in- mates, were working in a heroic manner to save the helpless men and women, who were dashing panic stricken through the corridors of the burning structure. Many of the inmates had to be carried out and others after being brought to safety fought with their rescuers to again enter their burning home. The fire fighters were practically helpless as the flames swept on in their work of destruction. The large fire hose, which was kept for just such an emergency, could not be reached in time and was destroyed and the weather conditions also increased the danger. The fire spread from the main structure to the two wings and within a short time it was ****** that the entire building was doomed. In the rear of this structure were the boiler room and laundry and the fire fighters did what they could to prevent the fire from reaching these two build- ings. Villagers and farmers worked like Trojans at this task and while it was impossible to prevent the fire from practically destroying the main structure, they finally succeeded in saving the boiler house and laundry building. The fire was also kept from spread- ing to the large barns. Presents Pathetic Picture One of the most pathetic pictures that can be imagined was presented as the 73 inmates, gathered in terror stricken groups on the snow covered lawn in front of the burning structure. Little old men and women, some of them helpless, and all shivering with the intense cold, sobbed and wrung their hands in grief. Their home, they only home they would ever know, was being destroyed, and angry flames leaped at them as though in mockery. Many of these aged people had made that trip over the hills to their home of charity many years ago. Within the now crumbling walls were little trinkets and keepsakes, dearer to them than the jewels of a crown. Many of these inmates are but children in thought and action and as they watched the flames in their work of destruction, it was necessary to restrain them by force from dashing into the midst of the roaring furnace. Little aged MARY GREEN, who has been at the home for the past 35 years, did break away. Yelling and crying that "her baby was being burned up," she ran for the doorway of the burning building. Flames and smoke seemed to envelop her, before she was caught and again dragged to safety. "Her baby" was a little old rag doll that she had cherished for years. It had been given to her by a friend. After being told that she would be given a "new baby" the little old woman quieted down and was led away. Unfortunates Cared For After the fire had died down, and all danger of the flames spreading to the other buildings had passed, Superintendent COWLES, his faithful wife and the resi- dents of Goodells began immediate preparations to care for the 73 unfortunates who had been left home- less. They were taken to the Maccabee hall at Goodells where they are now quartered. Arrangements were made Sunday afternoon with Captain LeROY PEARSON, of Com- pany C, for a number of cots and these were sent to Goodells Sunday night. Everything possible is being done for the unfortunate men and women, who lived at the county home, by the kind hearted people of the village. MRS. DEMPSTER COWLES, wife of the superintendent, stated Sunday afternoon in an interview over the tele- phone: "The folks at the county house had eaten their dinner when the fire was discovered. The first inti- mation that we had, was when a portion of the roof fell into the attic. At that time the greater part of the roof of the main building was in flames and had evidently been burning for several minutes. I went to ring the bell to sound an alarm but the rope broke. I then went to the telephone and notified the operator at Goodells and everybody on the line was notified. Help soon came. In the meantime we went to work to get the inmates out in safety. Many of them were panic stricken and we had a hard time with them, some of them having to be carried out. Everybody got out in safety, for which we are thankful. The main portion of the structure is destroyed but the boiler house and laundry building were saved. We are caring for the inmates at the Maccabee hall. That is all I can tell you now because I must get back to my people." In her brief interview MRS. COWLES did not tell of the heroic work on the part of herself and her hus- band, DEMPSTER COWLES, superintendent of the insti- tution. MRS. COWLES was too modest and too busy to tell of that, but those who witnessed their many heroic acts are loud in their praises of the nerve and daring and heroic work of both Mr. and Mrs. COWLES. Many of the inmates owe their lives to their prompt action. Their Only Home Gone Sheltered in the Goodells Methodist church they sat, old men and women, their few trinkets, and time worn clothing, hugged in their arms, staring into the future - a grim, cold future. The only home they had was gone and even as little children they sought to console each other. When PHIL EICHHORN entered faces brightened, and the aged ones crowded forward to shake him by the hand. He went the rounds and for each one he had a sympathetic word or two that left dimmed eyes brighter. Afternoon services in the lit- tle church had been suspended by the pastor for the accommodation of the refugees, and in the meantime over in the Maccabee hall kindhearted farmers' wives were bustling to and fro preparing a steaming hot meal that would drive the chill from old bones. It's quite a walk from the church to the Maccabee hall and those of the old men who were unable to walk were carried over in a sleigh furnished and driven by E. DENSMORE, whose kind-heartedness will not soon be forgotten. Just as the old people sat down to supper in the hall someone cried fire. Several of the men rushed for the outside and it was discovered that the chim- ney was slightly afire. The blaze died out of its own accord but during those few brief seconds, the hearts of those present had almost stopped beating. No one knows what could have been done with the old people had the hall too been destroyed. It was a sight such as is seldom seen, this pilgri- mage of the county unfortunates, minus overcoats, and in some cases caps, they were wrapped about with gaudy quilts and blankets, and hurried through the village to the hall. One old man sat motionless in the church after the others had been loaded in the last sleigh. He neither moved nor spoke. He was total- ly blind, and was nearly forgotten in the rush and hurry. GEORGE CARLETON was there, and GEORGE was once a familiar figure on the streets of this city. So, too, was MIKE SHOEY and CHAS. ORTH, both old Port Huronites. Console Each Other "Oh! MR. EICHHORN, whatever are we going to do now," wailed one old lady, the tears streaming down her cheeks. "Don't cry, honey," said a little bent old man as he put his arm around a little shivering old woman. She was his wife and still his sweetheart. The reporter turned away. It was not for his eyes, and perhaps his eyes were moist. Once in the Maccabee hall, however, seated at two long tables loaded with good things to eat the outlook was not so dismal, and the old people cheered up perceptibly. They made furtive plans for the future and consoled one another as best they could. Among those who deserve more than passing mention in connection with the fire are the two housekeepers, MISS IVA LAMBERT and MRS. ELLA DEWEY. They stood by the inmates when the county house was filled with smoke and calmly and courageously they guided the old people out to safety. Rev. J. H. REILLY, pastor of the Goodell's Methodist church did fine work in helping the unfortunates. He threw open the doors of his church, and aided in every way he could. Despite the bitter cold weather two members of the poor board were quick to respond. JOHN BALFOUR, of Marine City, drove in about three o'clock, accompanied by Sheriff Maines. ELSTON HOFFMAN of Yale was there half an hour earlier than the Marine City man. It is impossible to formu- late plans at once, but arrangements will be made to send the inmates to the Lapeer and Sanilac county houses if possible until accommodations can be arranged here. Well Provided For The bed ridden inmates have been taken to a nearby farmhouse and among them is MRS. JERUSILA JOHNSON, the oldest inmate in the institution. MRS. JOHNSON is over 90 years of age. DR. McHUGH was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the fire and contri- buted medical assistance to the helpless ones. MRS. F. KOEPFGEN, wife of a former keeper of the county house, and who resides in Goodells promptly took charge of the old people when they were taken to the Maccabee hall and did all she could to make them comfortable. The Howard Furniture Co., sent a supply of cots, comfortables and blankets to Goodells on Sunday afternoon for the inmates of the county house. When word was received of the need of warm articles to care for the unfortunates, JOHN HOWARD opened up the HOWARD store and with others began the work of getting the supplies together. The old McARTHUR house at Fort Gratiot is mentioned as a possible substitute for the county house until a new structure can be built. The old hotel is va- cant, and is equipped with steam heat toilet, and everything necessary. The supervisors may take up the question. ceived here from [*note: as written but it appears to be a print error.] Following the appeal for help received here from Goodells, bedding and supplies were rushed to the inmates rendered homeless by the burning of the county house. The boy scouts turned out and did fine work getting supplies to the tunnel to be shipped by train. The value placed on the county house by the board of supervisors is between $3,000 and $40,000 and the amount of insurance carried was $17,000. The main building was erected in 1875 and the two wings were added at different periods since that time. A number of the supervisors will meet for the calling of a special session of the board of super- visors to take immediate action on securing new quarters for the inmates and rebuilding the old structure. The meeting will probably be called as quickly as possible as it is necessary to take immediate steps to care for the 73 unfortunates who were left homeless. ==========================================================================