Did you know!
Great Atlanta on fire May 21, 1917
The fire began on a Monday afternoon around noon causing damage in an estimate of 5.5 million (estimate 2011 dollars of 86 million). Over 10,000 people was displaced and only one fatality, which is a miracle with all the damages that were reported.
The starting point was a small fire Candler warehouse across the track from the West End (my neighborhood) and destroyed three houses. South of the Georgia railroad, ten homes were destroyed before being extinguished. Another fire started out at a warehouse on Decatur street which the fire crew was sent out to inspect and found some burning mattresses. If the fire department had brought out the equipment the fire would have been put out there. It continued to spread towards the north.
The fire spreaded quickly to Edgewood Ave and Sweet Auburn sparing little.
The Great Fire burn for eleven hours destroying over 85% of building that had wood shingles. This material was banned for reconstruction for new buildings.
The city of Atlanta on Edgewood and Sweet Auburn has arisen from the fire like a phoenix bird that it is today. I love the city of Atlanta, Georgia and very grateful for all who put their blood and sweat to rebuild it to what it is today.
Come and visit us and let us show you our Sweet Auburn hospitality.
Linda
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