December 3, 1895. About 10PM today while a hop was in progress at the Hotel Gables at Lake Ronkonkoma, the building was discovered to be in flames and the throng of dancers hurriedly escaped into the open air. The flames, which started in the upper story and probably had their origin in an overheated flue, spread rapidly and in a short time the large building was a mass of ruins. There was no time in which to save anything but a few articles of furniture. Even the guests at the hop, many of whom came from adjacent places, lost their wraps. All the personal effects of the permanant guests, proprietor and servants were lost. The total loss (partly covered by insurance) is placed at $40,000.00.
The hotel was owned by Mrs. L.A. McKittrick, of New York and was leased by J.O. Simon.
When the alarm of fire was first given there was a scramble for places of safety, and in the excitement two children were forgotten. Mrs. A.M. Petry rushed back into the building, and at a loss of some of her own personal effects brought the little ones from the doomed structure.
This fire predated the Ronkonkoma FD by 9 years.
South Side Signal December 7, 1895
Be First to Comment