History of the great fire in Saint John, June 20 and 21, 1877 . fire was so high as to be almost beyond reach —the fire was left to pursue its own way. As thenews spread that some wooden houses in HorsfieldStreet, as well as others on Duke Street (near theVictoria Hotel), were on fire, thousands were cause of this was that the wind had carried tothe rear buildings on these streets, large cinderswhich kindled a flame instantly. * Fear gave way to terror as it was learned thatthis fire was spreading north, south, east, and west,— to Germain, Charlotte, Duke, and Horsfield
History of the great fire in Saint John, June 20 and 21, 1877 . fire was so high as to be almost beyond reach —the fire was left to pursue its own way. As thenews spread that some wooden houses in HorsfieldStreet, as well as others on Duke Street (near theVictoria Hotel), were on fire, thousands were cause of this was that the wind had carried tothe rear buildings on these streets, large cinderswhich kindled a flame instantly. * Fear gave way to terror as it was learned thatthis fire was spreading north, south, east, and west,— to Germain, Charlotte, Duke, and Horsfield an engine to be had, and every thing going downbefore the unrelenting fire. A building on CharlotteStreet had hardly become a prey to the flames, whenothers on either side followed suit. In half an hourall but the Germain-street side of the square wasin ashes. The Victoria Hotel and St. Andrews Churchwere in great danger; and the hotel guests, as well asthe employees, began to make preparations for seek-ing new quarters. But where they were to go, could. THE GREAT FIRE. 153 be more easily asked than answered. Should thehouse take fire, as it was quite evident it would,there would hardly be any safety on that street; and,as the destroying element was pursuing a south-westcourse, their only alternative was to seek refuge inthe Kings Square. Very little time was giventhem to collect their valuables; and, in the majorityof cases, they had to leave with a scanty the same time St. Andrews Church took fire,and it did not stand long. Adjoining the church was the two-story brickbuilding occupied as a tailor-shop in the lower story;and Beacon, Pioneer, and Siloam Lodges of OddFellows, as well as Millicete Encampment of thatorder, had the upper flat. Some of the membersmanaged to get into the building, and save most ofthe regalia and paraphernalia, prior to that buildingbeing destroyed. The buildings at the southern corner of Dock andUnion Streets, and on the opposite
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