Walla Walla College Fire by M. E. Cady

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 10, 1910

Walla Walla College Fire

By M. E. Cady

A FEW moments after midnight, October 13, the inhabitants of College Place were awakened by the ringing of the college bell. A look from the windows revealed the heavens lighted up in the vicinity of the college. In a short time, friends, patrons, and neighbors reached the college grounds, and found the teachers and students battling with the flames emerging from the boiler house and the laundry just above it.

The fire was discovered by students living in the young men's dormitory, adjacent to the laundry. The smoke awakened some of the young men, who at

once gave the alarm of fire. When first seen, the fire had gained such headway that both the boiler house and the laundry were enveloped in flames, which were soon leaping high against the rear end of the young men's dormitory. It was plainly to be seen that unless Providence intervened, the college building and two dormitories were doomed, as these buildings are all connected, the dormitories forming two wings to the main college building.

Immediate steps were taken to remove pianos, organs, furniture, and clothing from the dormitories and the college building. While some were doing this, others, with hose and pails, were pouring water upon the flames and against the rear end of the dormitory to prevent, if possible, its taking fire.

For nearly three hours, heroic efforts were put forth to quench the flames. Early in the struggle the wind changed squarely about from the west to the east, bearing the flames away from the building instead of against it. This made it possible for those handling the water with pails and hose to take positions where they could dash water on the wall of the dormitory. In spite of every effort, the bricks became so heated that fire started in the rear rooms on the first, second, and third stories; but wherever it appeared, it was quickly extinguished by those working inside.

If it had not been for the new artesian well, which furnishes water pressure of fifty-six pounds to the square inch, our facilities for fighting fire would have been almost nothing. Another providential circumstance was the falling of heavy iron-work upon the main pipe connecting with the boiler, which caused it to break, and allow the steam and water, under high pressure, to escape from the boiler, thus aiding greatly in quenching the flames. While heroic work was done, some working in very dangerous positions, it is evident that all our efforts would have been fruitless had not He who has control of the elements come to our aid.

At four o'clock the young ladies moved their clothing and furniture back into their dormitory. Some of the young men remained on duty, watching the smoldering fire, that it should not break forth anew, while others wrapped themselves in blankets on the lawn, and waited for the light. There was no spirit of complaining, but all were grateful that the loss was no greater. No lives were lost, and no physical injury was sustained by any one. This was a cause of deep gratitude.

There was no school Friday, but the bell rang as usual at 9:30 A. M. for chapel exercises. Nearly all were present, and gratefully united in singing "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about us." A Scripture reading followed, Psalms 46 and 124 being read, showing that God is the refuge of his people. While this is so, the thought was expressed that everything should be done to provide facilities to protect the property and buildings the Lord has erected by the sacrifice of his people, and which are so necessary for the training of workers to bear the last message to the world. All seemed desirous of learning the lesson from this experience that God would have us learn. The rest of the day was spent in restoration, as far as possible, and in preparation for the first Sabbath. The Sabbath was a good day, — a day of reconsecration to God, and of gratitude for his tender watch-care over his children and this institution.

The extent of the loss has been placed at $10,400, but is covered by insurance. The college is now connected with the Walla Walla lighting plant, so that everything is moving along pleasantly, as the weather is mild and agreeable. School has reopened, and the usual program is being carried forward.

Truly "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

M. E. CADY.