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Antique Photo of the Oct 1902 Fire in Tuolumne, CA West Side Lumber Offices

Antique Photo of the Oct 1902 Fire in Tuolumne, CA West Side Lumber Offices
Antique Photo of the Oct 1902 Fire in Tuolumne, CA West Side Lumber Offices
Antique Photo of the Oct 1902 Fire in Tuolumne, CA West Side Lumber Offices
Antique Photo of the Oct 1902 Fire in Tuolumne, CA West Side Lumber Offices

Antique Photo of the Oct 1902 Fire in Tuolumne, CA West Side Lumber Offices
This photograph was taken of the fire that occurred in Tuolumne, California, on October 3, 1902. The fire destroyed part of the principal business portion of the town. It started in Raymond’s Hotel and burned the Germania Saloon, the Belle View Hotel & Saloon, the Peerless Hotel & Saloon, the Magnolia Saloon, the West Side Lumber Company’s office building, and the Yosemite Lodging House. This photo was taken as the fire made its way to the West Side Lumber Company’s offices. This is the building towards the left with four chimneys. I found a photo of this office building online that I’ve uploaded for comparison. When I look at the photo under magnification, I see a sign on the building shown at the far left that reads SIERRA SALOON. The Sierra Saloon is mentioned in a news article from the October 4, 1902 issue of the San Francisco Call. (I’ve uploaded a copy of the article). There are several men in front of this building. It’s possible they’re performing evacuations, rescues, and attempting to save property. Further to the right, in front of the buildings that have burned, there are numerous chairs, furniture, and wooden barrels that are likely from one of the many saloons that perished. There’s a sewing machine in the foreground near the left edge of the photo. The lower-right corner of the photo is impressed with the name W. My research uncovered a W. Buyers who worked for the Novelty Foto Company in Berkeley, CA, in the 1890s. The photo measures 7 7/8″ x 6″ It’s mounted to a 10 5/8″ x 8 3/8″ card. The photo is in excellent condition with nice focus and contrast. The board has some wear to the corners and edges, as well as a few marks. Please see the images provided, as they’re part of the description.
Antique Photo of the Oct 1902 Fire in Tuolumne, CA West Side Lumber Offices