1871 - Social Party

At a social party in the Town Hall of Oldtown, Me., a few nights ago, a young lady, who wished to get a better view of the dancers, attempted to lift herself by a lamp-bracket affixed to the gallery, when its fastenings gave way, and the three lamps upon it were dashed in pieces upon the floor. The kerosene spread over a considerable area and ignited. A scene of terror and confusion ensued, which might have resulted fatally to some present had not a young man leaped from the gallery, regardless of the height, torn off his overcoat, and throwing it upon the burning oil, extinguished the flames. Several other gentlemen hastened to his aid, and with the putting out of the fire, the excitement subsided.