Rare 1914 Postcard Set Fire Merchants Exchange Building Manchester New Hampshire for Sale

Rare 1914 Postcard Set Fire Merchants Exchange Building Manchester New Hampshire For Sale

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Rare 1914 Postcard Set Fire Merchants Exchange Building Manchester New Hampshire:
$299.99

This rare postcard depicts the disastrous 1914 fire at the Merchants Exchange building in Manchester, New Hampshire. The second photo is of shop owners cleaning up after the destruction of the same fire.

The last three images in the listing are of newspaper articles having to do with the fire, for reference purposes.

On June 24, 1914, Box #5 was transmitted at 2:15 A.M. for John Varick Company on Elm Street between Merrimack Street and Manchester Street. A small basement fire turned into a general alarm fire after gas flames erupted from the cellar. Explosions rocked the building as large tanks of alcohol and volatile oils stored under the sidewalk ignited. A basement filled with paints and oils contributed to the blaze.

Fire apparatus from the Amoskeag Corporation assisted the city department. An engine from Fore River Ship Company, which was stored at the city yard and was to be demonstrated that day, was put into service at the fire. The agent, J. A. Lamkin, hearing the alarm, awakened his two assistants and they rushed up Elm Street to volunteer their services. Chief Lane directed them to set up at Hanover and Elm Street.

The 175 H. P. engine pumped 1600 G. P. M. through 4 hose lines. At 4:20 A.M. Carl Lagequist and Fireman Harris removed 50 lb. of gunpowder from the building. At 4:45 A.M. the fire spread to the R. G. Sullivan store and office. By 6 A.M. heavy, green smoke, from the tobacco, was pouring from the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors.

Roger Sullivan's large tobacco stock was ruined and $30,000 of automobile tires in Varicks was destroyed along with an immense amount of supplies. The Varick Block had previously burned on February 7, 1892 sustaining losses of $144,000 and again on May 21, 1914 with a loss of $44,000.

The fire burned down many businesses, shops, residences and more including the John B. Varick Company; R.G. Sullivan cigars; William G.Berry Insurance; Frank A. Heath, real estates. Also, business in the Granite Block, including Dyer & Chipman drugest.

Captain John F. Smith, Manchester (NH) Police Department is credited with calling the fire in (at 2:30 AM).

Firemen injured fighting the fire included:

-Thomas F. Lane, son of Chief Thomas W. Lane

-John F. Kerrins, engine 1, face badly burned, in hospital

-Edward Cousins, burned about head and face

-James H. McKenzie, Hose 3, burned about head, especially face

-Fred Parnell, Hose 1, upper body burns, injuries serious

-George Harvey, Hose 1, upper body burns, injuries serious

-Walter Burke, Engine 1, head hair completely burned off and face seared

-A. W. Gage, Engine 1 hip sprained

(Source: The Boston Globe Published: June 24, 1914)

Please inspect the pictures, as they give the best representation of condition. May have discoloring, edge or corner wear, marks, creases, fading, smudges, corner or edge bends, tears, or corners missing.

(A140 inventory number)