Seely Bros photos of the Great Blue Lake Fire of 1911.

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Editor’s note: This account of the Blue Lake fire of 1911 is from a booklet, “Blue Lake is Burning, ” compiled by Isabelle Evans, president of the Blue Lake Museum Society. What follows are excerpts of news accounts included in the booklet.

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From the Blue Lake Advocate, Dec. 7, 1911:

The business district of Blue Lake was partially swept by fire beginning a few minutes after 12 o’clock noon Tuesday, December 5, 1911, and which originated in August Brand’s clothing store and tailor shop. In a very few minutes after Brand left his shop to go to dinner the building was a mass of flames, with a stiff breeze blowing directly across the street on which was situated the Odd Fellows Hall, Walter Ingham’s Saloon, Henry Laverty’s Barber Shop and the Blue Lake Drug Store occupied by George L. Sackville.

To these buildings the flames were quickly communicated and within two hours all the buildings in the block were burned, including M.J. Kelly’s fine residence and the Jones buildings, the last of which on the corner was the two story structure occupied by Lon Edwards as a confectionery store, express office and Sunset Telephone headquarters.

Here a heroic fight was made to check the further spread of the fire which was crowned with success. To this success everything conspired — the heroism of individuals, the splendid services of our neighboring towns, a veering of the wind and a drizzle of rain. Not a single element of these could have been spared.

In answer to frenzied telephone calls, special engines came from both directions. From Glendale came their chemical engine trailing behind the Minor Company’s delivery wagon, from Arcata came their big chemical engine and from Korbel their fire fighting apparatus and two immense tanks full of water built upon flat cars. Louis Everding and Thomas Fox came with the help from Korbel, bringing a bucket brigade fully equipped for service.

The fire line had previously been successfully held from the Palace Saloon to the Forester’s building at a great personal effort, and the fiercest battle was yet to be fought at the latter place. The Forester’s building and the one burning were two of the highest in town and were directly opposite with only a 50-foot street between. Into this intolerable heat the Glendale chemical wheeled into play and got first water, directing the stream against the high walls of the now smoking building. When it was exhausted the Arcata chemical engine began action and kept up the good work, assisted by Joe Tabor holding the nozzle of a line of hose, while others kept him from catching fire by throwing buckets of water over him while he was fighting.

A HEROIC FIGHT

A great battle was also going on at the opposite corner owned by Mrs. Douarin and occupied by Dr. C.N. Mooney. The chief hero of this fight was George Perham. Mounted on the peak of the gable next to the street, he defied the fierce blasts of flames that kept jumping at him and dashed water against the building from buckets as they were handed up to him. Perham had previously been laid out in another battle earlier, but revived consciousness in time to lead the important fight at the Mooney corner.

When the walls of the building fell, falling outward, a sheet of flame fairly enveloped the heroic fighter for an instant and all who were watching fully expected him to roll from the roof like a dead fly. But Perham merely ducked his head, bending low and holding his breath and just then he was drenched with a life-giving bucket of cold water.

John Arnold of the Blue Lake Hotel was another fire fighter overcome during the battle, but responding again with renewed vigor. It is impossible to record the name of all who did valiant service at some point in the battle. No one saw it all but a few others who came within the observance of the writer deserving special mention were Jack Fletcher, John Arnold, Robert Barr, Len Higgins, Bert Clark, Charles Beauchamp, Robert Poulton, Wiley Hanson, E.A. Spring, A. Welsh, J. Baldwin, J. Pollow, O.E. Bradford, Mrs. Peterson, Mr. Robertson, Cale Hickox, J. Kuhlmann, W.F. Hemphill, B. Pido and Charles Crowden.

A splendid supply of water was luckily available from Mrs. Douarin’s tank and there was a continuous line of water carriers at this point. The charred wall of the Douarin buildings and the Forester’s building after the danger had passed showed how narrowly the spread of the conflagration had been averted. In places the outside walls were completely burned through.

Notwithstanding the combined efforts of our neighbors and our own townspeople, the fire would have even then gained the mastery except for the aid of nature. Just when the flames were hottest the wind changed for about 15 minutes, blowing the flames back upon themselves. In the path of the fire the wind was blowing thousands of burning brands which fell among old shed roofs and walks, which would have caught and started new fire but for the friendly rain. As it was, several small fires were started but luckily were observed in time to extinguish them. One brand was observed to alight still flaming at Glendale, two miles away.

The only losses sustained outside of the block mentioned were A.J. McPherson’s Livery Stable containing about $2,000 worth of hay and his blacksmith shop adjoining and the buildings adjoining that in which the fire originated. These were the Elite Saloon and Giuntoli’s Saloon and Restaurant, owned by Mrs. M. Rankin.

The only lives lost were animals. Adam Kemp and Henry Laverty were the owners of some good bird dogs, who, like Casablanca, refused to leave the “burning deck” and were consumed. A luckless cat and several chickens completed the toll of death in the great Blue Lake fire.

ORIGIN OF THE FIRE

The fire originated in August Brand’s, but just where and how is yet shrouded in mystery. He had left the place but about five minutes when it was observed, but with the means at hand the fire was then uncontrollable. If a sufficient supply of water had been promptly applied from the rear, it is believed the fire could have been easily subdued.

The total lack of fire fighting facilities is accountable for the great fire that followed. A single hydrant with the ordinary pressure of water would have been sufficient to quench the flames if applied to the one story building where the fire started. The great value of chemical engines was demonstrated by those who so promptly came to our rescue from Arcata and Glendale. Fred Stouder was the hero of the Arcata contingent. An engine was already steamed up and a car was standing on the track. Within five minutes Stouder got the consent of the Arcata & Mad River Rail road officials and just 14 minutes from the time it started on its race, landed in Blue Lake. The little car on which was loaded the chemical engine and several ladders bobbed around the curves like the tail of a kite, part of the time traveling on two wheels. Stouder did all that was possible to assist it in keeping the rails by jumping over to the high side each time it threatened to leap from the track. Engineer Liscom kept a firm hold on the throttle but there were times when he held his breath, fearing that his engine might be derailed at any time.

GRATITUDE TO NEIGHBORS

The City of Blue Lake also feels a deep sense of gratitude to Korbel and its people for their timely and generous aid. This is the first time in our experience when water was known to be transported from one community to another with which to fight fire. The Korbel people showed a thoughtfulness in this act that is fully as commendable as their heroic efforts after arrival. To Louis Everding, Joseph Tabor, Thomas Fox, ex-fire chief of Eureka, Andrew Skiro, and many others is due the profound respect and gratitude of all Blue Lakers.

Fire Chief Cochrane of Eureka was only a little later to get to Blue Lake than those from less distant points. In an inconceivably short time he gathered up a load of picks and axes and three small fire extinguishers and reached the scene in a little over half an hour.

Our remaining nearest neighbor, Glendale, replied to our call for help instantly, and reached here just in time to prevent a spread of the flames which but for their assistance would have been beyond control.

WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Not by any means does all the credit for valuable and efficient work belong to the men. Many women worked with wonderful persistence and energy in saving movables of all kinds, and it is due to two lady friends of the Kelly’s that practically everything within their house was saved, including the carpets and curtains. Many children also performed their part in helping distracted chattel owners to save their effects. Two ten-year-old boys carried Mr. Laverty’s heavy barber chair a distance of two blocks to a place of safety and assisted in wheeling out the vehicles in McPherson’s livery stable. In fact many children performed miracles of service with their nimble feet and cheerful readiness to be of use.

When finally the flames first began to be subdued, a great sense of relief was experienced by all, but many were still vigilant to prevent a relapse and were not satisfied as long as there was a spark of fire to be seen. The town trustees put on a patrol of six men during the night and with the dawning of another day all possibility of disaster was at an end, truly but a deplorable sight met the view. Where before had existed a lot of occupied business buildings was now a mass of charred ruins, twisted pipes and wires and relics of useful machinery.

AS TO REBUILDING

But the ashes were not yet cold when plans of rebuilding were discussed. The Odd Fellows have determined to put in a finer hall than ever, and the disposition of many belonging to the order is to make it fire proof. James Worthington will soon have another business structure underway and the drug store will be rebuilt. Others will promptly follow, if not by the present owner, than by those who are prompt to see the advantages of locations and who will buy the sites. Although Hugh Kelly was hard hit in losing his fine residence, he was cheerful under misfortune and displayed his genuine Irish wit when asked if he would rebuild by replying between puffs of his meerschaum: “Well, not tonight…”

Regarding the rebuilding of the business block destroyed, some of the owners may sell their vacant sites to some energetic businessmen who themselves will erect some substantial business buildings. Not a better location in Blue Lake for any kind of business can be found.

Owing to its beautiful location. Blue Lake is bound to grow gradually and nothing will help it along better than an infusion of new business blood in its present inactivity. Our people are too sanguine over the future of our little city to let it lay inactive, because progress is now as it always has been their motto. Let us do all we can to help our new city and improve its appearance a hundred percent.

FIRE LOSSES AND INSURANCE

As far as can possibly be ascertained a list of the destroyed property is as follows:

• James Worthington’s Saloon - $1,250 - insurance $900.
• Stock in Stock and Kemp’s - $900 - no insurance.
• George and Mattie Rankin - hotel - $1,250 - insurance $600.
• Giuntoli Bros. - stock in said hotel - $1,200 - insurance $1,000.
• A. Brand - stock and store - $2,000 - insurance $1,850.
• IOOF Hall - $6,000 - insurance $3,000.
• C. Deschartres’ Drug Store - $2,500 - insurance $2,000.
• Allard and Matthews Saloon - $1,000 - insurance $1,000.
• Henry Laverty - stock in Allard and Matthews Barber Shop - $200 - no insurance.
• J.A. McPherson Livery Stable - $5,000 - no insurance.
• Margaret Jones - residence, store and jewelry store - $4,250 - insurance $3,100.
• Lon Edwards - stock in candy store $1,000 - insurance $800.
• Hugh Kelly’s residence and small store - $3,000 - no insurance.
• Dr. Woods’ stock in Jones’ building - $700 - insurance $500.
• Renner’s stock in Jones’ building - $500 - no insurance.
• And fences, poles, wire and minor damages - $5,000 - insurance $2,500 …

NOTES

Hugh Kelly and family moved to the house recently occupied by the McLeods. Walter Ingham, whose place of business burned last Tuesday, has decided to retire from the saloon business in Blue Lake. Just what he will do in the future is yet undecided.

Lon Edwards has moved his central telephone office and Wells Fargo and Co. Express in the Blue Lake depot, to a room adjoining the waiting room, where everything is attended to as nicely and promptly as before.

H.J. Laverty, Blue Lake’s well-known barber, is now nicely located in the Blue Lake barbershop, where he expects to see all of his former customers and friends. He was one of the unfortunate fire victims of Tuesday.

The Odd Fellows are now holding their regular meeting in the Presbyterian Church. Rev. Baesler kindly donated the use of the edifice until better arrangements can be made. Other lodges that have been offered the same hospitality are the Rebekahs, K. of P., and Fraternal Brotherhood. All were glad to avail themselves to the minister’s kindness.

The Seely Bros, of Arcata showed their enterprise by coming to the scene quickly enough to get many fine negatives of the fire while in progress and these are selling at the post office faster than proverbial hot cakes.

The safes of Giuntoli, Ingham and Brand were opened Thursday afternoon and in the former two everything was found in perfect condition. Brand’s safe went into the fire with the outer door partly open and the papers within were found somewhat charred. The safe contained no cash.

The Brizard company, in appreciation of the efforts of their employees at the fire, presented each of them with a $10 gold piece Thursday.

Kemp and Stover saved the greatest part of their liquors and opened up at 8 o’clock the next morning next to Dr. Fountain’s dental office.

Charles McLean was not as fortunate. Though getting out a lot of goods, when he tried to recover them again, a big share was missing.

The various lodges saved all of the effects from the Odd Fellows’ building except the Rebekahs. Even the piano was successfully landed from the second floor. This was not accomplished without great personal effort and risk. Mrs. Crowden and Ed Lewis saved the records, the latter being almost overcome by the smoke in making his escape.

Among the tenants of the burned structures. Dr. Wood was hard hit in losing all of his valuable heirlooms and keepsakes gathered through a long and busy life, as well as nearly all of his valuable library. He saved a portion of his instruments and with great cheerfulness and alacrity established himself again in business the following morning, his office now being in the Perigot building adjoining the Advocate office.

An important lesson of this fire, apart from revealing the necessity of an adequate water system is that of an organized volunteer fire department, and to have a competent leader, clothed with sufficient authority to act and direct the work or rescue. If either Joe Tabor or Thos. Fox could have felt free to do what they liked upon reaching the fire, it might not have been nearly so disastrous.

From the Daily Humboldt Standard, Dec. 7, 1911:

As a starter for a municipal water system and for a fire department for Blue Lake, this evening the City Board of Trustees purchased from Will Warren his water system for a consideration of $850 while the clerk of the board was directed to immediately communicate with companies manufacturing chemical fire apparatus for the purpose of securing estimates of the cost of a suitable engine for the town of Blue Lake.

That the fire of yesterday shall be the last disastrous conflagration in the history of Blue Lake is the announced determination of the City Trustees.

Before anything else was taken up Trustee McPherson, who had been one of the heavy losers in the fire, introduced a resolution thanking each and every person who has assisted in fighting and ultimately checking the flames. Special thanks were extended to the crews from Korbel, Glendale, Arcata and Eureka, that gave valuable assistance in saving what of the business section of the town that still stands. The resolution was unanimously adopted.

Trustee Geer presented to the Board an option on the water system belonging to Will Warren which furnished water to a number of families in Blue Lake and which furnishes an excellent foundation for a larger system to be built later, urging that it be immediately accepted. After prolonged discussion of the water company, it was decided that the option should be taken up and the City of Blue Lake will soon supply itself with water.

It was then brought out that a fire department was needed as badly as water, and it was decided that fire fighting apparatus should be provided. The clerk will proceed immediately to secure figures and data regarding chemical extinguishers and before long it is expected Blue Lake will possess its own chemical fire fighting apparatus.

Steps have been taken by the City Trustees as well as by the private property owners to clear up the debris caused by the fire and to put Blue Lake into a more orderly shape. The street and alley committee was directed to clear out the obstruction from Power Creek which runs through the burned area, and it was voted to recall the order heretofore given out that all property owners may lay sidewalks within thirty days hence. This is done owing to the heavy financial drain which has been caused by the fire and to other reasons which would make it impractical to commence a campaign of sidewalk building at this time…

From the Blue Lake Advocate, Dec. 16, 1911

Since the big conflagration of December 5th, Blue Lake people interested in the burned district have been planning to rebuild as soon as possible.

Last Saturday evening and Sunday three special insurance agents and adjusters were kept busy adjusting the losses of those who were fortunate enough to carry insurance on their respective buildings and stock of goods and as far as we know everything has been adjusted satisfactorily to all concerned.

Already preparations are being made to erect a new saloon building and barber-shop on the site of the old Elite saloon formerly occupied by Kemp and Stock which property belongs to James Worthington. August Brand is figuring on rebuilding his tailor shop and clothing store as soon as possible, and so is Mrs. Mattie Rankin, who owns the property at the corner of that block opposite the site of the Odd Fellows’ Hall. Mrs. Rankin will erect a two-story building measuring 24x24 feet. The first will consist of a barroom, a kitchen and a dining room, while five rooms will comprise the upstairs. It is understood the Ole C. Anderson of this place will have charge of this new structure, which will be up-to-date in every respect. Giuntoli Bros, will most likely occupy the new structure.

It is learned that the Blue Lake Lodge of Odd Fellows may not rebuild their hall on their own lot, and may form a partnership with Mad River Lodge K. of P. and the two orders will erect a large and handsome two-story structure on either the Jones’ site or the old drug store site facing H Street.

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