Monticello NY: Rare 1909 Real Photo Postcard of Fire on Broadway #7 by Koonz

One of a collection of 9 rare original 1909 real photo postcards documenting the aftermath and ruins of the fire in Monticello NY on August 10th 1909. According to author Tom Rue,

Sparking the most damaging fire in the Sullivan County's history, on August 10, 1909, there was an explosion at the Murray Electric Light power generating plant, located on the western side of Landfield Avenue on or near the present site of the Landfield Avenue Garage. Shortly after it started, the fire spread to the adjacent Palatine Hotel, razing it and much of the vicinity. Monticello burned all night and into the next day.

By the time the blaze was extinguished, 74 properties were lost at a value of $1,000,000 (which converts to over $17,000,000 in modern economic currency). Landfield Avenue burned up to North Street. Both sides of Broadway were consumed from the site of the present Carlton Hotel up to Bank Street and across the street starting at the Village Offices up to and including both sides of St. John Street for a short distance, according to contemporary sources.

Condition is VG to EX, image is sharp, see scan.

120215 / 0002 R2/19/2012 AUS

Note on condition: For uniformity and convenience, I grade cards per Barr's guidelines. I describe any defects (such as creases) that are not apparent on the full-size scan. Click the photos above to see a big picture, and then bid with confidence.

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