February 12, 1916: About eleven o’clock last night, Fire Chief Harry Cash was again summoned to the bank building to extinguish a blaze that had started among the ruins of the burned structure. The blaze was not a serious one, but had been smoldering all day and had just broken into flames again. The fire chief kept close watch on the building all the remainder of the night to see that nothing more caught.

The various stores and offices affected by the fire are now getting into new locations and are again in shape to do business. The First National Bank is situated in the front corner room of the city hall and was doing business there this morning. They carried their furniture from the burned building over to that room and were able to polish it up a little and are using the same fixtures practically. While they are a little crowded in the new location, it gives them a very good place to do business.

Through an oversight of the Republican the tabulated list of losses last night failed to mention the loss through smoke and water experienced by the occupants of the basement buildings fronting on N. Market St. One of the heaviest losses was Mark Duke who operated a news stand and confectionary store. His goods were practically all damaged by the water and smoke. He estimates that the stock was worth about $2,000 of which over half will be covered by insurance. Duke will move what he can save of his stock to his other store on West Main St. A.E. Brown’s meat market located in the basement of the building on N. Market St was almost a total loss in furniture and meat. His estimated loss is about $1,000 which not nearly was covered by insurance. Mr. Brown has no definite plans as to his future business or location. He may change his business entirely.

M. Francis, proprietor of the Francis Loan Office, was damaged considerably by smoke and water. Guns were melted, musical instruments came apart, ladies gloves were water soaked and other things ruined. He estimated his loss at near $2,000. His insurance will cover only half of the loss. Mr. Francis will remain in the same business and will locate as soon as a good room can be secured. He has moved some of his goods which he thinks may be restored in the back of D.W. Abney’s Drug Store.

(Extracted from local newspapers by Harry Boyd)