This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Disper,Barnes,Blome,Johnson Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/4EC.2ACE/883 Message Board Post: On the night of Sept. 23d 1894 occurred the largest fire Tomah has ever had. Beginning in the Disper building in the business centre it spread in both directions along Superior Avenue until it swept ruins the entire block containing 10 business houses, together with a great part of their contents. Such a fire could not occur in Tomah today because of the splendid sysstem of waterworks which was completed shortly after that fire and now affords protection to the entire city.(Note this was 1895 when written) The fire entailed heavy losses upon several parties burned out, as the insurance was in most cases light and some were entirely unprotected. In a less progressive town than Tomah, it would have been a calamity requiring years to recover from. But plans for new buildings were formed during the winter to be carried into execution in the spring. The burned district has been a scene of activity this season and from ashes have risen five of the largest and finest buildings which adorn Tomah's broad and handsome business street. The buildings are L.S. Barnes, J.F. Blome and Peter Johnson. (Will continue with writing on each building and merchant etc.) Ann