WP2156 WPG - FIRE PACIFIC AVE APRIL 6TH 1907

POSTCARD

Date: Posted April 26, 1907.

Publisher / Photographer: Sutton.

Notation: I think the billowing smoke and firemen up on the ladders make this a particularly engaging photo, but I was even more drawn to it when I realized that all these well-dressed gentlemen standing on a row appear to be perched mid-way up a wooden fence.

The fire took place in the older of two buildings that housed James Robertson & Co., a wholesale hardware company. The newer building was attached but, thanks to a fireproof wall, avoided any damage. From a report published in the Winnipeg Tribune; "...although there was little blaze to be seen at any time, the conflagration was a spectacular one." Combined damage to the building and goods was estimated to be $60,000. (My thanks to Ipernity member Wintorbos for helping me locate the Tribune article.)