Conflagration Historic Marker

Historic Site #:	03-077 (Exists) Type: B2,O	Town:	Galen
Site Name:	Conflagration Historic Marker	GPS Coordinates:	43.082882, -76.869972
Address:	39 Glasgow Street Clyde New York inside Heritage Park
Description:
The Plaque reads: CONFLAGRATION ON APRIL 8, 1847 A FIRE THAT BEGAN IN AN OLD BARN DESTROYED SEVERAL BUILDINGS ACROSS FROM THIS SITE. RAIN HELPED CONTAIN FLAMES. WILLIAM C. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2018 507

Photo by Edith Farrington 2019

Historic narrative:
Fire has been the enemy of many villages. Clyde is no different, especially in the era before 1890. In Morrison's History of Clyde (2005), a long list of downtown fires is given on pages 44 and 46. In the evening hours of April 8, 1847, a massive inferno erupted from a barn located in the commercial district of Clyde, New York. The alarm was raised and the community quickly moved to action, working together to put the fire out. A combination of high winds and the close proximity of neighboring buildings allowed the flames to spread, destroying everything in its path. Fortunately with the help of a little rain, the blaze was subdued. Nearly everything was lost between the corner of Glasgow and Columbia Streets. While the damage done to the buildings was severe and costly, no one was killed or seriously injured.

References:

Morrison's History of Clyde (2005) Pages 44 and 46

William G. Pomeroy Foundation web page