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Jan. 6, 1916
HARTINGTON — Risking his life in the burning hallways of the Grand hotel early Wednesday morning, Mike Dillon, one of the proprietors, suffered severe burns while attempting to warn guests of their danger.
The fire, which started about 2 o’clock, completely destroyed the building and contents. The building was owned by John Krause, who resides in Los Angeles. His son Will estimates the loss at $10,000, and states that $5,000 insurance was carried. Emmett Dillon, one of the proprietors of the hotel, estimates their loss at $5,000 and states that insurance of $3,500 was carried.
The fire is thought to have been caused by a kerosene lamp used to illuminate the hall-way on the third floor. Mike Dillon had been on duty in the office until 1 o’clock, when he laid down on a cot to rest. He was awakened about 2 o’clock by the smell of smoke, and started an immediate search, but was at first unable to locate the blaze.
Guests in the hotel were warned and started to pack. When Dillon reached the back stairs leading to the third floor he discovered that the upper part of the frame annex, which constituted the rear of the building was a mass of flames.
Guests in the hotel were warned and started to pack. When Dillon reached the back stairs leading to the third floor he discovered that the upper part of the frame annex, which constituted the rear of the building was a mass of flames.
Dillon immediately started up the stairs to warn Dr. John Bogue, and Joseph Fitzgibbon, an electrician, employed by the Hartington Electric Co. Fitzgibbon’s door was at the head of the stairs and Mike was half way up when Fitzgibbon opened the door and, attired only in his underclothes, jumped down the burning stairway. He landed on Dillon and both fell to the landing below. Fitzgibbon picked himself up and rushed to the office and outside, his face, neck, hands and feet terribly burned. He was wrapped in an overcoat and carried to Dr. King’s office, which was turned into a temporary hospital.
In spite of his burns Dillon again attempted to warn Dr. Bogue, but finding it impossible to reach him on account of the spread of the flames, ran outside and secured a ladder, which he endeavored to raise against the window of Bogue’s room. He was surprised to see Bogue coming calmly down the rope fire escape, hand over hand, dressed except his shoes.
Dr. Bogue is slightly deaf, and did not hear the calls, but was awakened by the smoke, and the fire which was burning under the door to his room. He dressed and broke out the window with his shoes, which he dropped to the street, and then lowered himself with the rope.
M. J. Dillon, father of the proprietors, was in Sioux City, on his way back from a funeral at Ft. Dodge. The youngest brother, Dan, usually sleeps near the rooms occupied by Dr. Bogue and Fitzgibbon, but on account of his father’s absence, was sleeping in his father’s room, and was among the first out.
Mrs. Bella Bufford, head cook, returned Monday from Omaha, where she had been for some time, to resume her old place. Clara Munson and Mrs. Slaughter, also employed in the kitchen, lost all of their possessions.
Mr. and Mrs. Ray C. Robinson managed to escape with their clothing, but had to dress down stairs, as did a number of commercial men. Mrs. Peterson, the housekeeper, escaped with only the clothing she was able to gather in her flight.
Mike Dillon was also taken to Dr. King’s office for medical attention. On account of the danger of pneumonia, due to the exposure, Fitzgibbon was taken to Sioux City hospital Wednesday , Manager S. B. Knudson, of the Electric Co., and Dr. King accompanying him. Dillon had a host of volunteer nurses as soon as daylight arrived, and in spite of their treatment, seems to be getting along nicely.
