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the depot, another engine house was situated.It was the place where the “ Lake Erie, ” a hand tireengine stood. Two cisterns for the supply ofwater were located near, one on either side ofthe rail-road track. It is difficult to picture aplace more retired and lonely than this gorge.So near the busy station and yet isolated, in-accessible, and seldom visited. Its distance tromthe village, and the nature of the surroundings,will account for many things which occurred onthat awful night; but it is a strange tale we haveto tell. In the midst of the habitations of menuntold sufferings took place, and the loss of lifeand fearful burning.
The tire department consisted of three compan-ies, two /it the village and one at the depot.There was only one steamer, and that was a milefrom the depot. These companies were underthe control of the chief fireman, Mr. G. W. Knapp,who is a tinner by trade, and a man slow andlymphatic in temperament, and one who, for along time, had been addicted to the constant useof intoxicating liquors; a man every way unfitfor so trying an emergency. The re-organi-