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

"The Story of the Great Fire in St. John, N.B., June 20th, 1877" by George Stewart, Jr., is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This narrative focuses on the catastrophic fire that devastated St. John, New Brunswick, illustrating not only the extent of the destruction but also the resilience of the community during and after this calamitous event. The book captures the details of the fire's rapid spread, the struggles of the firefighting efforts, and the profound impact it had on the city and its inhabitants. At the start of the tale, Stewart sets the stage for the unfolding disaster, describing the fire's origins and its unprecedented intensity, which resulted in enormous swathes of the city being consumed within mere hours. He recounts the chaos and horror experienced by residents as they struggled to save their homes, belongings, and lives amidst the relentless flames. The opening portion offers a historical context to the series of fires that plagued St. John's past, emphasizing the city’s enduring challenges with fire disasters while foreshadowing the magnitude of the catastrophe of June 20th, 1877.