History of Fires in the Johnstown Business District

Notice in the photo above that many of the storefronts in the early history of Johnstown were wooden structures. Fires traveled quickly from business to business along S. Main Street. ​

The Johnstown Business District suffered many fires. Several that happened in the late 1880’s were reported in the local newspaper. One fire that took place at the Johnstown Independent printing office occurred on January 4, 1889. The article described the fire and said that the village had no fire department but with the cry of "fire" and ringing of bells, residents were able to form a bucket brigade to put out the fire. 
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May 24, 1902 
On May 24, 1902, fire destroyed or damaged most of buildings on South Main Street between Coshocton and Pratt Streets.
“Disastrous Conflagration” - headlined page 6 in the May 29, 1902 issue of the Johnstown Independent.
Fire destroyed 16 buildings and damaged many others with total destruction value being $75,000.00. The burned rubble drew crowds of spectators. Then, as they do now, and always have, citizens rallied to help merchants and others who suffered loss of property and livelihood.

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June 6, 1904​
On June 6, 1904, fire once again destroyed buildings in downtown Johnstown. Flames roared through the east side of South Main Street destroying 21 business rooms, 2 barns, and 1 dwelling. Brick buildings replaced frame structures lost in the fire. Most all merchants had insurance. Losses totaled $110,000.00. A few of the well-known building owners were Royal Kasson, H.B. Rusler, and J.M. Friddle.