A Hempstead, N. Y., Fire

A Hempstead, N. Y., Fire

On the night of October 15, a barn on the estate of F. Ambrose Clark, a frame structure, caught fire and the lives of 18 hunters were imperiled. These horses were to race at Piping Rock on the next day, and sewn grooms were sleeping in the quarters overhead, where also was stored $2,000 worth of hay. The barn itself was one of a $25,000 worth series of buildings. The flames started from a defective flue and spread so rapidly that the stablemen were trapped and had to jump to safety from the windows. As soon as they found themselves out of immediate danger they set to work at trying to rescue the horses, a task of great difficulty, as a shifting half gale of wind was blowing and causing showers of sparks to fall all around, adding to the terror inspired in the horses by the flames. At a considerable distance from the scene Hamilton Hadden, the well-known polo player, was giving a tennis party, and on seeing the blaze, he, with three ladies and his other guests, ran to help the grooms, who were in difficulties with the horses. Some of these as soon as their heads were veiled, refused to leave; others, after they had been got out. broke away and again made for the barn. When the Hadden party arrived, and others of both sexes had added themselves to the party, first the men, one of whom had a broken shoulder blade all bound up. came to the aid of the grooms; then the ladies followed suit. The men without hesitation braved the flames and began to drive the horses out. many of the being already scorched by the hot lire in the blazing hay.* They blindfolded the horses and at the same time had to turn their own coats over their heads to protect themselves. As it was, several had their hair badly singed. As soon as the women came up they took charge of the frightened animals, all of which, after judicious patting and coaxing were led off safely. Meanwhile the local fire department arrived; the barn, however, was a total loss.

On the night of October 15, a barn on the estate of F. Ambrose Clark, a frame structure, caught fire and the lives of 18 hunters were imperiled. These horses were to race at Piping Rock on the next day, and sewn grooms were sleeping in the quarters overhead, where also was stored $2,000 worth of hay. The barn itself was one of a $25,000 worth series of buildings. The flames started from a defective flue and spread so rapidly that the stablemen were trapped and had to jump to safety from the windows. As soon as they found themselves out of immediate danger they set to work at trying to rescue the horses, a task of great difficulty, as a shifting half gale of wind was blowing and causing showers of sparks to fall all around, adding to the terror inspired in the horses by the flames. At a considerable distance from the scene Hamilton Hadden, the well-known polo player, was giving a tennis party, and on seeing the blaze, he, with three ladies and his other guests, ran to help the grooms, who were in difficulties with the horses. Some of these as soon as their heads were veiled, refused to leave; others, after they had been got out. broke away and again made for the barn. When the Hadden party arrived, and others of both sexes had added themselves to the party, first the men, one of whom had a broken shoulder blade all bound up. came to the aid of the grooms; then the ladies followed suit. The men without hesitation braved the flames and began to drive the horses out. many of the being already scorched by the hot lire in the blazing hay.* They blindfolded the horses and at the same time had to turn their own coats over their heads to protect themselves. As it was, several had their hair badly singed. As soon as the women came up they took charge of the frightened animals, all of which, after judicious patting and coaxing were led off safely. Meanwhile the local fire department arrived; the barn, however, was a total loss.