During this century there have been a number of disastrous fires in the centre of the village. The resulting damage to buildings and businesses altered the face of the village core. This Heritage Paper looks at the two fires that broke out during the second decade of the twentieth century.
From the Hamilton Herald of Tuesday, May 25 1915.
A fire which caused heavy damage started early this morning and completely destroyed the block owned by F. W. Crooker, situated at the corner of Dundas and Main streets, Waterdown. The block was the finest mercantile building in Waterdown and included a general store occupied by Mr. E. W. Walley, postmaster, over which was a large hall and public library, the books being all destroyed. So fierce were the flames that the destruction of adjoining buildings was threatened. The store of A. Alton, who carries on a barber shop and pool room, was however, partly wrecked, when one of the walls of the burning building collapsed.
The Waterdown volunteer fire brigade was on the scene very quickly, but was unable to cope with the conflagration and the Hamilton fire brigade was called to render assistance, but on arrival found the block a seething mass of flames. Despite all their efforts they were unable to get the fire under control. They prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining property however.
The estimated damage is about $20,000, but the origin of the fire is a complete mystery. The stock owned by Mr. Walley is insured for about $5,000, while the property destroyed is thought to be covered by insurance. A singular coincidence is that field sports were in progress at Waterdown yesterday to aid the public library. The fire will now necessitate further efforts to raise funds for a new library.
While some of the volunteer firemen from Waterdown were fighting the flames and saving adjoining buildings, there were some narrow escapes from portions of falling walls, but no person was injured.
From the Waterdown Review of Thursday, October 3 1918.
Our people were rudely awakened out of their slumbers early on Monday morning last by the ringing of the fire bell, fire having been broken out in the rear of W. Cummins’ Drug Store. It did not take long for our brave fire laddies to get on the job, and together with townspeople, male and female, began to battle with the flames, and it was certainly a noble fight, and one which the citizens of Waterdown will long remember.
Willing hands assisted in the removal of Mr. Cummins’ stock, which for the greater part was removed to places of safety. Mr. O. B. Griffin’s residence adjoining being in immediate danger, his household effects were also safely removed. It was by the dint of the hardest kind of work, that adjoining buildings were saved.
Too much praise cannot be given the noble hand of workers who fought so nobly, and by doing so prevented a disastrous conflagration in our village.
We regret that a number of reserved seats “which were all occupied,” were sold. This had the effect of preventing a number of able bodied men from performing a duty; “but such is life.”
The origin of the fire appears to be a mystery, no one appearing to be able to account for it. At one stage of the fight, it certainly looked as if the whole street was doomed, and ex-Reeve J. F. Vance wisely summoned aid from Hamilton. No. 2 Chemical Engine and crew in charge of Assistant Chief James, responded to the call but when they arrived they found that the local fire fighters had got the flames under control, but nevertheless they began work with a will, and with the aid of their engine soon had the last trace of fire removed.
We understand that the building, which is owned by Dr. J. O. McGregor, was insured for $1,000. Mr. Cummins also, we believe, carried insurance on stock.
This fire clearly demonstrates the fact that Waterdown is still in need of additional fire fighting apparatus, such as ladders, pike poles, etc., also it would be a good idea to purchase another chemical engine to be placed in the northern end of the village, where it would be immediately available in the event of a fire breaking out in the district. We believe this matter will be brought up at the next meeting of our Council.
Waterdown people feel deeply grateful to the Hamilton Fire Department for their promptness in responding to the call for aid and for the valued assistance they rendered when they arrived on the scene.
Let us hope that the days of the frame fire trap are numbered, and that our Council will pass a by-law which will prevent the building of this style of structure, which have caused our citizens a great deal of uneasiness in the past.
© The Waterdown-East Flamborough Heritage Society 1994, 2022.
