Mrs. Stafford's Loss

   Ann Arbor had a serious fire Friday night which resulted in the destruction of the house of Mrs. Ella R. Stafford, widow of the late James M. Stafford, No. 8012 N. State st. The members of the Ann Arbor fire department again distinguished themselves by one of the toughest fights that they have had in in many a year. That they did splendid work, the remains of the house distinctly shows. A telephone message was sent in to the engine house at 7:15 o'clock p. m. Five minutes later the department was on the ground. The extreme cold, four degrees below zero made the work very difficult. The first hose connection was made with the hydrant corner of Ann and State st., and another one further north. When the men reached the building it seemed to be all afire. Owing to the cold, and the moderate water pressure in this part of the city, much difficulty was found in getting a sufficient amount of water. It almost froze in he hose before it came out. The hydrants were in good order, but that could not prevent the troubles of cold and want of pressure. The fire seemed to start in the northwest corner of the second floor. Much of the furniture was moved to the old Clancy homestead adjoining, which was vacant. Of that saved much was damaged and wet. There were six roomers in the house who had to make a lively hustle o save their belongings. They were Paul Moses, Milton Hartman, Arthur Lindlau, Arthur Loeb and Milton Livingston. Mrs. Stafford and her five children took refuge with the neighbors who kindly took them in. Fireman Henry McLaren, fell through a hole in the floor under the roof to he first floor. This morning he claims not to have received any serious injury.  Acting Chief Edwards had such a cold that his friends apprehended in attack of pneumonia. The other men had numerous frost bites and were wet down to the skin. They all worked like Trojans. They did not get back to the engine house until after 8 o'clock this morning. The spectators of the lire unite in saying the firemen worked nobly and were a credit ta our city.

    In the morning upon examination the origin of the fire was discovered. It started back of the parlor grate and ran up into the garret where the fire spread, everything being in full blaze before it was discovered. The insurance carried by Mrs, Stafford was $2,000 on the building and $1,500 on furniture. How badly the house is damaged cannot be definitely stated until after a survey has been made by a carpenter. It is believed that the insurance will cover the loss, except as to those articles that have a value in themselves that money cannot replace.