The Story of the Great Fire in St. John, N.B., June 20th, 1877

An eyewitness account reconstructs a devastating urban conflagration, tracing its origin, swift spread through commercial and residential districts, and the actions of firefighters, volunteers, and officials to contain the blaze. It narrates the destruction of churches, banks, hotels, schools, wharves, and public works, and records rescues, deaths, looting, and instances of courage. Subsequent chapters detail relief efforts and the organization of aid by charitable societies and fraternal groups, itemize property and cultural losses, estimate economic damage, and offer reflections on recovery and rebuilding, complemented by illustrations and lists that document the ruined streets and institutions.