Branson's Fire of 1912
The fire began in the lean-to at the back of Commercial Hotel,run by proprietor Fannie Winch. Soon 21 businesses were ablaze.
One disaster that left downtown Branson in disorderly rubble was the fire of 1912: several businesses were destroyed by the blaze, and residents feared for their lives. There was no fire department, and the town was three blocks away from the river; thus, efforts to contain the fire were not very successful.
Allegedly, the fire was started when a laundry maid at the Commercial Hotel let the fire in the old wood stove get out of control. Fannie Winch, proprietor, hurried guests out of the hotel and worked frantically to save what she could from the blaze. The following letter to her son, written August 30, 1912, recounts the horror of the aftermath:
Dear son, I no you will be sorrow to Hear thisthat the hole town [of] Branson--with the exception of a few Buildings in the Business Park the Compton Supply Depo pool Hall Bank Bakery to Restaurants2 little grocery stores are all that is left.21 Buildings Burned the fire started in my Laundry--took the Commercial Hotel slick and clear post officeJo VanZants Resident in the Rear Livery stable--Whelchel Hardware & furniture Millinery storeshort order Restaurant Rooming House air done. Vandike Brick Block Aikins Supply Co Dr. MitchelsDrugstore Paterson Mercantile Co Parnells BrothersMerkintiele Co Troutman Bros Merkintiele Co ButchershopHarness shop sicand Hand store--Boswills store groceryI saved my piano 4 dressers 2 davenports Refrigerator sideBoard all of Mother's things with in front Everything inthe 3 front Rooms Down stairs and a Hole lot of Beding--I have a Lovely Place to Live it isent quite finishedthe prop Mr Parnell [. . .] Day House just as soon asscreens are on Here--I saved my Range but no pipes The Box of glass & several other things I saved--Come when youCan Be A lots of hep to me--My Property valued [at] 45.00only insured for 15.00 Love to allYour MotherFannie V. Winch
The fire consumed the corner of Commercial and Main streets while men and boys formed a bucket brigade to haul water the three blocks from the White River.
What remained of the downtown area after the fire had to be rebuilt. Above residents survey the damage and begin planning reconstruction.
original letter property of Roy Henderson, courtesy of Gaye Lisby, Branson Living Magazine
photographs of Branson fire courtesy of Gaye Lisby, Branson Living
