Latest News
History: The Fatal Fire of 1908 Quick Links:  January 17, 1908 -Courtesy of the Oconomowoc Enterprise HEALTH RESORT BURNS The sanitarium of the Oconomowoc Health Resort Company, situated on Nashotah lakes, was destroyed by fire early Wednesday evening. The fire was first discovered by Dr. A.W. Rogers, who smelled the smoke and upon investigation found that such headway had been gained in the basement and communicated to the walls that efforts of those at the sanitarium and the helpers who came as soon as the fire was learned of, were unable to more than save the remaining buildings on the place. The structure which was built was the residence on the Mason Hill place, which was purchased last year by the stock company, which made improvements amounting to about $20,000, completely remodeling it and fitting it with the most modern apparatus for sanitarium purposes. It was constructed of brick and stone and was three stories in height containing thirty-two rooms. The loss on building and equipment is estimated at $30,000, with insurance amounting to $20,000. At the time of the fire there were, besides the regular inmates of the house, seven patients, who were at once removed to neighboring farm houses and will as soon as possible be taken to their homes or to other sanitariums. The Health Resort, since its opening last summer, has been very successful, and it is the opinion of the local stockholders of the company that it will be rebuilt as soon as possible. Dr. A.W Rogers, the physician in charge, is one of the stockholders. The other people in this city and vicinity who have interests in the company being Judge Loren Edwards, E.C. Theobald, H.A Ernest, B.G Edgerton, Rev. C.F McBride, Miss. Flora Small, Edward Whalen, W.W. Hastings, Rev. E.C. Healy. January 24, 1908 -Courtesy of the Oconomowoc Enterprise WILL BUILD NEW FIRE PROOF SANITARIUM A meeting of the directors of the Oconomowoc Health Resort Company was held in this city Monday evening. All were enthusiastic in their determination to build a new sanitarium on the site of the building which was destroyed by fire last week and were united in desiring that the new structure began absolutely fire proof one. The meeting therefore resulted in the decision that at the earliest possible date work be commenced on a new modern building which should be constructed of concrete, steel and tile, and absolutely non-combustible. The preparation of plans for the new place it voted to begin immediately and the officers are already in consultation with the company's architect. Dr. and Mrs. A.W. Rogers are since the fire, temporarily located at a Lower Nemahbin lake cabin. |
|||
 |
