Chapter 2: The Great Utica Fire

On the morning of May 15, 1885, at approximately 10:25 a.m., disaster struck.

A fire broke out at Seefield's Elevator, reportedly ignited by sparks from a passing steam locomotive. Fanned by strong southwest winds, the flames spread with incredible speed. Within five minutes, the fire had reached Benjamin’s Ellsworth's property, including the barn, and the newly built hotel.

Within ten minutes, much of the village was engulfed in flames.

Burning boards and cinders filled the air as the fire swept through town. In only a few hours, thirty-four buildings on the north side of the railroad tracks had been destroyed. The fire consumed an area nearly one-half mile long and one-quarter mile wide. Remarkably, no buildings east of Evans Store or south of the railroad tracks were lost.

Reports differ on who first responded to the disaster. Some accounts state that the Lewiston Fire Department answered the call, while others credit Superintendent William Cosgrave of the Chicago and North Western Railway Company. While working near the Stockton Quarries, Cosgrave learned of the fire, traveled to Lewiston, gathered every available man, loaded a hand-operated fire pump onto a train, and rushed to Utica.

Upon arriving, they found a town in chaos. With no organized fire department, confusion was everywhere. Cosgrave focused on protecting the buildings along the east side of Principal Street and Benjamin Ellsworth's residence. Though small, the hand-operated pump proved to be one of the most effective tools available.

The powerful winds carried burning debris nearly forty rods, about 660 feet, igniting the Boyd farm north of town. Their barns, sheds, hay, grain, farm machinery, feed mill, and many hogs were destroyed.

The losses continued throughout the community.

Lew Brown lost his frame barn, road team, wagon, buggy, harnesses, tools, hay, and grain.

George Camp, manager of the harness shop in A. D. Ellsworth's building, managed to save the harnesses and leather but lost his clothing and furniture.

Dan Brown lost his barn, buggy, cutter, and a span of horses.

Benjamin Ellsworth lost his barn, tenant house, machine shed, corn crib, sheep sheds, hog pens, and many sheep and hogs.

Noah Reed managed to save only his drum.

Andy Ludwick lost his dog.

Postmaster S. Keyes rescued the town's mail and was later found sitting on the sidewalk south of the railroad tracks. Despite everything that had happened, he joked that if President Grover Cleveland intended to remove him from office, "he ought to use milder means and give a longer notice."

Other residents who suffered devastating losses included James Holt, John Ludwick, Andrew Ludwick, Simon Nick, J. B. Dewey, E. A. Woodruff, J. W. Hammond, Mrs. Flick, Henry Flick, H. Willnow, T. J. Hammer, and George Evans.

Although many people were injured, no fatalities were reported.

Benjamin Ellsworth's losses alone totaled $8,500, yet he carried only $2,500 in insurance.