American Marble & Toy Manufacturing Company destroyed by fire

TOY FACTORY

IS ENTIRELY

DESTROYED

Fire broke out early Monday morning in the plant of the American Marble & Toy company, 27 West Center street, and before anything could be done to put out the flames the shop was entirely destroyed.

The whole plant now lies in a mass of twisted and charred wreckage. All the fire companies in the city were on hand but too late to save the Robinson Clay Product company also caught fire from the blaze in this shop and much damage was done there before the flames could be subdued.

The fire was first noticed about ten minutes past 1 o'clock Monday morning. It is said that no fires had been burning in the building since 3 o'clock Saturday afternoon and it is not thought that it caught from fire from the inside. The night watchman of the Robinson company had been out a little after 1 o'clock and had not noticed any signs of fire. But on comin out again in about five minutes he was surprised to see the whole building in flames.

Burned Rapidly

It spread and burned with remarkable rapidity. He immediately turned in an alarm and the fire department arrived in a few minutes. But when it arrived the whole building was burning fiercely and it was impossible to get near it.

The building was built of pine boards for the most part and they were old and well seasoned. This made them burn like so much kindling wood. It was seen at once that nothing could be done to save the building and the attention of the firemen was turned to the Robinson company warehouse which was but a few feet from the burning shop and had caught from the flying brands. The roof of this building was of tar and readily burned. Good work on the part of the firemen soon had this fire under control. Much pottery stock of various kinds was considerably damaged. The marble factory was in ashes in a short time. The burning of this plant throws out 30 men and girls out of employment at present. In the busy season in the winter as high as 60 or 75 persons are employed but at present work was light and some of the force had been laid off.

Boys After Marbles.

The company manufactures marbles and toys of various kinds. Many visitors saw the scene of the fire Monday. This included many small boys anxious to get marbles and toys scattered around. They were taken so rapidly that it was necessary to detail a policeman to keep a watch.

The factory was located in the midst of a busy locality and had the fire gotten a good start the consequences might have been much more serious.

No one seems to have any idea as to the origin of the fire. A. L. Dyke, manager of the plant, was in East Liverpool at the time of the fire. Those who saw the fire say it started from the northwest corner of the building. Many think it of incendiary origin but there is no evidence to that effect except that there seems to be little likelihood of its starting from the inside. It will probably be investigated by the state fire marshals.

The building was partially insured. A. L. Dyke, the manager, stated that the plant was insured for about $6,000 in various companies. It is said that about $3,000 of insurance carried by the firm expired just a few weeks ago. The entire stock will not be a total loss as it is possible that some of the goods can be used again.

Several thousand dollars' worth of goods to be shipped was in the wareroom and was ruined. Mr. Dyke stated that while he could not be positive the total loss might reach $15,000. The concern is owned by a stock company of which he is one of the principal owners. It was also stated that the plant would be rebuilt just as soon as work can be started.