Unidentified photographer 1889, 23 February (date of fire) A three story industrial building after a winter fire.
Kodak #1 Private collection of Jack and Beverly Wilgus (Beverly Wilgus, October 2021) This is Kodak #1 image in our collection shows a three story industrial building after a winter fire. A close examination shows broken windows and a pile of debris next to the ladder. Ice from the fire hoses coats the walls. Under magnification the small sign next to the building reads "Keene Steam Dye House" which appears to be a cloth dying business. The lettering on the wall starts "IMPERVIOUS…." but the ice obscures the rest of the name. The name is certainly ironic considering the fate of the building. Further search identifies the building as that of the Impervious Package Company. It made wooden pails and cans that were impervious to oil and kerosene. Because of the wood and sawdust it was a fire hazard and burned at least three times.
This photograph was likely taken on February 23, 1889 when the Impervious Package Co. was burned following the explosion of gas from a furnace.
An account of the fire in the 1889 City of Keene Annual Report lists a loss of $76.52 Which seems like a small amount of loss for this fire.
