Fire destroyed block in winter of 1887 - A piece of Ogden history

(Taken from an August 1941 Ogden Reporter - 75th Anniversary Special Edition) 

 

About 12 o’clock the night of Feb. 12, 1887, Ogden was aroused by the cry of “fire,” accompanied by the ringing of the church bells. The night watch had earlier discovered a fire in the saloon building of McLyman and Coyle, which was located where the Reporter building now stands.

Soon after the alarm was given it was apparent that the entire block would burn, so the efforts were turned to saving the goods of the business firms in the block. Scores of people helped with the removal of goods, and the arousing of the people who were in the hotel, where the Travelers Inn now stands.

Aid was asked from Boone when it was thought that the entire business district would burn, but later the request was canceled, as it was apparent that the fire could be confined to the one block. The wind was strongly in the southeast, which aided in the spread of the flames.

Nine business places were entirely wiped out with a total damage of $7,000. Starting on the west end of the block was the Ogden House owned by J. C. Thomas, loss about $2,500, insured for $1,000; Dr. Sickler’s office, loss $500, insured for $200; Mrs. E. M. Jones property, loss about $500, no insurance; Dr. Noyes’ office, $200, no insurance; G. Ogren’s Tailor shop, loss %300, insured for $200; M. Lyman’s saloon, loss about $1,500, insured for $1,200. There was also a loss of some billiard tables and some saloon fixtures.

Rread more in the April 26 issue of The Ogden Reporter.

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