Frank B. Trotter’s first-hand account of the Seminary Building Fire as written in the February 1905 Pharos.
Our Calamity
On Saturday morning, Feb. 4, our main building was completely destroyed by fire. At “ten minutes before nine o’clock, the blaze flashed up through the old hot air register in middle hall on the first floor and was seen by Misses Virgie Philipps and Mabel Stuart and promptly reported to the writer who was at work in the front office; he with two or three students ran out, and first attempted to stop the draft by turning a table over the register, then went to the basement to see what could be done there. The fire had caught from one of the furnace smoke pipes where it entered the main stack and was already making its way in all directions. Those familiar with the construction of the building will remember that it was originally heated with hot air furnaces. In order to get a good circulation, the basement was plastered over head and air passages were left under all the floors and through the partitions and draft stacks ran clear to the top of the building. These all served as passages and drafts for the flames and when once started in them they could not be controlled.
The alarm was at once given and classes were dismissed in a very orderly manner, there being about two hundred students at work at the time in the building. Everybody did all that was possible, but very little could be done on account of the impossibility of reaching the seat of the flames. The town fire company responded immediately and fought bravely, but to other hindrances was added that of frozen hose as the weather was intensely cold. For just an hour the fight was waged manfully, when a violent concussion caused by the expansion of the hot air and smoke drove everybody out of the building. There was no explosion of gas or of chemicals, as there was no gas in the basement and there were very few chemicals about the building. There was no panic, not a shriek, nor an outcry; the students were very orderly and worked hard to save property; even the girls helped to carry away books as they were thrown from the building. Three students were caught in close quarters and jumped from the second story windows, but were not hurt at all. Two others and a citizen of the town were burned severely about the face and hands, but not permanently injured.
Fortunately all the records were saved; also most of the library and apparatus, and practically all tbe furniture, except that in the Chapel, Chrestomathean Hall and the business department. Two typewriters were among the losses in this department. All the students in school deserve credit for their orderly conduct and good behavior, and. our thanks are due to them, and to the fire company and to all the citizens who so kindly came to our aid; also to all the pastors who so generously offered the use of their churches and their own services as teachers if needed.
The building is a complete wreck, even the foundation will not do to build on again as it is badly damaged by the heat and flames, though almost all the cut stone and outside brick can be used again. It is not yet known whether the bell is safe as it lies deep in the basement covered with brick, plaster and ashes, but the hope is expressed that it is unharmed.
The total loss is almost $40,000 with $16000 insurance. Although the building is
gone, the courage and loyalty of the student body are undaunted; and the Trustees and Faculty are determined to persevere, and ere long a larger, better and more convenient building will crown “College Hill.”
FRANK B. TROTTER, Vice President.