1895 - CHILDRENS' HOME DESTROYED. The 200 Inmates Get Out Safely Although Asleep When the Fire Breaks Out.

WHITE PLAINS, N. Y., Feb. 16. - The West Chester temporary home, about a mile from the county courthouse, was totally destroyed by fire last night. The building contained 200 children, ranging from 1 to 15 years of age, besides there were a dozen teachers and nurses. The home is in charge of James Pierce, who is the superintendent and Miss McDonald, assistant superintendent. Mr. Pierce had been away all day in Poughkeepsie, and returned on a late train after the building was in ruins. About 10 o'clock a watchman in the building discovered the cellar in a mass of flames. The fire had originated from a defective flue. At that hour the little ones were fast asleep. They were awakened as quickly as possible and hurried from the building. Most of the childrens' wearing apparel was destroyed and the children, may of whom were sick, suffered considerably from the cold.