I have just arrived home from school. I wish to tell you of the
very large fire down-town. I go to school about one block from
where the fire was. The fire started in a grocery store
belonging to Hanson Brothers, about 7:30 o'clock. This grocery
is No. 1317 Market Street. From there the fire spread to an
umbrella store, which had the numbers 1309 to 1313 Market
Street. From there a spark set fire to Wanamaker's store; it
started there in the large clock tower, which soon after was a
mass of flames. It fell with a loud crash soon after. The fire
spread to the woodwork of the City Hall, where it was soon put
out.
Wishing your magazine years of success, I am
Your reader, R.R.
PHILA., Jan. 25th., 1897.