Question:
Baldwinsville — This photo represents a very important part of our early history. What does it represent and why was it important?
Last week’s answer:
The Wilkins/Seneca/Hart Mill was on the Baldwin Canal about where Dunkin’ Donuts is now located. On the evening of Oct. 7, 1908, a fire was discovered in the mill, operated by C.E. Hart. In an hour’s time, the building was destroyed, nothing but the heavy timbered frame remaining.
Quoted from the Gazette: “When the fire was first discovered, the whole upper part of the building was a mass of flame, and in a minute’s time the whole structure was a roaring, seething furnace, throwing off an intense heat and thousands of sparks.”
Just across the canal stood the Haywood Wagons Works. With a strong breeze blowing from the south, the building was in the gravest danger of also meeting its demise. The factory was connected to the American Knife Co. on the south and the west. Quoting again: “Only the hard work and splendid management of the firemen prevented one of the most disastrous fires Baldwinsville has ever seen. With no fire hydrants on the island, with the fiercely burning building surrounded by frame buildings, and with a strong wind blowing, it seemed beyond human power to keep the flames from spreading. It was an exhibition of skill and pluck of which all Baldwinsville is proud, and the owners of the endangered property all extend their sincere thanks to the gallant fireman.”
The mill was owned by A.J. Tooley and W. F. Marvin. Tooley also owned the Knife Works. C.E. Hart, who operated the mill, suffered a considerable loss on stock, as did the knife works. The Wagon Works also had considerable damage from water.
Baldwinsville is very fortunate to still have so many dedicated volunteers protecting us from possible disaster. Thanks to all who serve in the fire department.
Contact Editor Sarah Hall at [email protected] or leave a message at 434-8889 ext. 310 with your guess by 5 p.m. Friday. If you are the first person to correctly identify an element in the photo, your name and guess will appear in next week’s Messenger, along with another History Mystery feature. History Mystery is a joint project of the Museum at the Shacksboro Schoolhouse and the Baldwinsville Public Library.
