Bridgewater looked a lot different in 1899 than it does now.
One of the main reasons has to do with the “Big Fire” that occurred on this date 118 years ago.
A fire is believed to have started in the basement of an old music hall and spread quickly, destroying buildings on both sides of the road from Dufferin Street to the old post office.
Despite the damage, Barbara Thompson, Director of the DesBrisay Museum, says the incident likely helped the town become incorporated.
“Although the town had been talking about it before that, it did help to solidify support for incorporation because it was an opportunity to put lights in, put water in and protect the area a bit.”
Thompson says people were without a bank, post office, doctors office or a place to buy groceries the morning after the fire.
She says the Davison Lumber Company built small buildings and within six months, those services resumed.
Roughly 50-60 buildings were destroyed and one person died days after the fire when they were hit by a wagon during the confusion.
An exhibit is available to view and learn more about the “Big Fire” at the DesBrisay Museum in Bridgewater.
(Photo Courtesy: DesBrisay Museum)
