The Fire That Almost Wiped Out Part of Bridge Street

In March of 1963 a furnace explosion began a terrible fire which caused an estimated $75,000 of damage on Bridge Street in Carleton Place. The Esquire Specialty Dress Shop and two unoccupied apartments above the store were completely destroyed. The owner of the building was Elizabeth McNeely.

Photo from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

 

Mrs. Victoria Fletcher operator of the Esquire Dress Shop was almost overcome by smoke when she entered her place of business at 8:40 am that day. She became lost for a few moments in the dense smoke and finally found her way back out, and called the Fire dept. Her entire Spring stock was lost with a damage estimation of over $15,000. Sadly, it was was only partially covered by insurance. Damage to the building was between $50,000-$60,000.

 

Photo from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

 

The fire grew quickly causing the roof of McNeely’s building to cave in and began to spread to the adjoining buildings.The local firemen saved the drug store owned by Gordon Gilchrist and the Maher Shoe Store. The buildings destroyed were where once Ballygiblin’s once stood. (Figured that out last walking tour but forgot to change it..Thanks Joann Voyce)