The River
The Carthage Fire was one of the biggest fires that Carthage ever had. I hope
that Carthage never has a big fire again. The fire started because of the dry
leaves. Then the wind blew the leaves across the river. then the wind blew it
to Chuckie's school and burned it, but it didn't burn Chuckie's house. Then
the wind blew the fire to Monument park and that's where the fire stopped.
/Matt
Only trees are left in the area shown. Buildings were destroyed down to their
foundations, not a timber of any kind being left in the structures.
Another picture taken in an unidentified part of town; a chimney or
smokestack is viable in the center.
The Carthage Fire of 1884 burned across the Black River. The wind helped it
spread and the leaves helped with the fire also. It was so big that it started on
the shore and jumped from island to island. It burned a lot of factories and
mills. Finally it got to shore. It went like a tornado. Nothing could stop it. It
ruined everything in its path.
/Elizabeth
State Bridge, leading from Carthage (eastern bank, left sideof photo) to West
Carthage on the western bank. On the W. bank can be seen the Jones coal
yard, the brick home presently occupied by the Sherrer Funeral Home, and,
behind everything, the mansion of the M. P. Mason family.
This home was apparently filled with treasures gathered by Mr. and Mrs Mason during their
world travels.
Across Bridge Street stands the (then) home of Dr. Bruce, a general practitioner. This home is
still in excellent condition and is presently owned by Col. and Mrs. Babbit.
Mills on the River Banks:
Both these homes are seen in the photo above: the Mason mansion on the skyline a little left of
center, and the Bruce home also on the skyline, but right of the center.
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