| From the Fenton Historical Center Gokey Fire located at 20 West Third Street The Gokey Fire broke out Saturday, March 12, 1910, burning the interior of the seven-story brick Gokey Shoe Company on the east side of Cherry Street between Third and Fourth Streets. Embers blazing anew and fanned by strong winds the next morning caused a second fire, completely destroying the shoe factory, the adjacent Gokey Building of stores and offices on Third Street and the Shearman House across Third Street. A huge water tank on top of the shoe factory fell through to the basement. Tons of heavy machinery, used by firms housed in the building, were torn loose and plunged through the funnel-shaped hole. Fireman Joel Oberg fell with the tank, but was rescued from beneath the pile of wreckage. Two firemen were killed – Alfred F. Shoesmith of the Deluge Engine Company from injuries in a two-story fall; Captain Jonathan Hanson of the Fire Police, killed when a roof fell on him. Jamestown volunteer firemen, with help from Celoron, Lakewood, and Falconer volunteers, battled the blaze valiantly, but the odds were against them. During the heavy winds, a call was made to the Buffalo Fire Department, which was just loading equipment on a train for Jamestown when the wind changed and they were notified their help was not needed. Flaming boards were carried as far as a mile and a half by the wind. Sixty places of business, offices, and stores and a hotel were destroyed and many persons thrown out of work. Among those reporting losses were Jamestown Business College, Duffees Dry Goods Store, Saxe Fur Company, Postal Telegraph, Wright Specialty Shop, Chamber of Commerce, and Gurney Ball Bearing Company. This spectacular fire caused the city to establish a paid fire department which became effective March 1, 1911. |
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| March 12, 1910 |
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