Stoughton Historic Downtown Fires - Stoughton Wagon Co. "Paint Plant" Fire, May 24, 1898
Stoughton Courier Hub 5-27-1898:
“Between
half past twelve and one o’clock Tuesday night, May 24, 1898, people living
near the shops of the Stoughton Wagon Company discovered flames in what is
known as the “green” paint shop, at the west end of the northeast group of
buildings belonging to the works.
Probably to a servant girl in Mrs. Samson’s house, just north of the burning
building, belongs the distinction of having first noticed the blaze. But she quickly gave the alarm and in a very
short time the whole neighborhood was aroused.
Soon the wagon shops whistle sounded, followed quickly by the clanging
of the fire bell and response by the whistle of the water works station.
The fire
seemed to start on the second floor of the paint shop, and as it had a great
mass of most inflammable material – paints, oils, turpentine, etc., to feed
upon, it spread very rapidly, indeed, those who saw it first report that the
blaze seemed to burst forth in one great sheet of flame and envelop the whole
west end and center of the buildings quick as a flash. Its origin in this quarter can be accounted
for only on the theory of spontaneous combustion, which is probably a correct
solution of the mystery. Old oil-soaked
rags, cast-off clothing of the painters and other combustible material had
perhaps been piled in a heap, became heated and exploded, many instances of
which are on record.
The fire
department rallied in good time, considering the lateness of the hour which
found most of them in bed and asleep, and soon had half a dozen streams playing
upon the flames.”
“When it
became evident that this particular branch of buildings was doomed, the firemen
directed their efforts to saving other property of the company just across the
alley on the south and dwelling houses on the north. And that this was successfully accomplished
seems almost miraculous . . . The dwellings of Mrs. Sampson, Bernt Olson and
Mrs. Erickson were all on fire at times, but by quick and systematic work the
flames were put out before much damage was done.”
“Nothing was
saved from the Wagon company’s buildings.
In them were many finished buggies, wagons, and bob-sleighs, and many
finished and unfinished minor parts of vehicles, such as wagonboxes, seats,
springs, bolsters, tongues, gears, etc.
The main buildings destroyed are known as the “green” and “red” paint
shops, the finished goods shop and the “trimming” shop.
Stoughton Courier Hub 5-27-1898
Above is an engraving of the Stoughton Wagon Co.'s plant.
The group of buildings in the lower left hand corner enclosed by
white lines shows the section destroyed by fire.
Stoughton Courier Hub 5-27-1898
A later image of this site after rebuilding is on our T.G. Mandt webpage,
see link below.
1898 Insurance Map:
