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The Phoenix Glass Works, of Phillipsburg, were totally destroyed by Tuesday's fire. The works were owned and operated by the Phoenix Glass Company, and gave employment to about 500 hands, men, women and boys.
The fire had its origin in one of the "glory holes," at 11:40, and was caused by one of the benzine pipes connecting with one of the "glory holes" bursting when James Simpson, a shade maker, turned on the benzine.
The flames spread with amazing rapidity and the men at work on the night turn barely escaped with their lives, leaving even their tools and lunch baskets behind. In a few moments more the entire immense works was on fire, hundreds of people arriving on the scene, but they were powerless to stay the flames, and the fire raged until the entire works, with the exception of the benzine tank and a small cooper shop were destroyed. A dwelling house adjoining the works, and occupied by four families was also destroyed, the occupants not being able to save more than half of their household goods. The house was owned by 'Squire Sorg and was fully insured. The railroad switch or trestle adjoining the works was also burned, and the cars loaded with coal furnished ready fuel for the consuming element. One other car, loaded with finished ware, was slightly burned, but being finally pushed off to the lower end of the switch by some of the workmen, was saved.
As learned from Secretary Miller, the capital stock of the Phoenix Glass Company is $75,000 but the works were valued at between $90,000 and $100,000. Over $50,000 of finished ware and new material was also destroyed, the entire loss therefore is not less than $150,000.
All the tools used in the factory of the works were destroyed, aggregating- in value not less than $1,000, each skilled workmen or chimney maker, losing from $10 to $50; as the workmen in glass works use their own tools.
James Simpson, the man who turned on the benzine which caused the fire, was badly burned about the head, face and hands by the explosion which ensued, so that he now lies at his home in a very dangerous condition.
The poles of the telegraph line which runs near the works were partially burned, but the wires were not injured, and admit of the transmission of messages.
The fire cast its fitful gleams for miles around, making it almost as light as day in Beaver, Rochester, and surrounding towns and was witnessed by thousands of people from the neighboring villages and hill tops. Five hundred employees are thrown out of work, many of them being in very poor circumstances, and depending solely on the works for their daily bread.
President Andrew Howard was on the grounds, and called a meeting of the stockholders at 10 o'clock Wednesday, but only part of those interested were present. Pending the underwriters' investigation nothing definite or of note was decided upon; nor is it known that the works will be rebuilt, although it is altogether likely that they will be, as the firm has an extensive trade and large orders ahead.