Walking on Coals: Farmington's Great Fire of 1886

with Jane Woodman and Layne Nason from Farmington Historical Society

Saturday, May 6 at 1:00 PM

Estimated Duration: 90 minutes

In 1857, Farmington was described thus by a visitor: "A stranger...cannot but be struck with the evidences of prosperity everywhere manifested. Nearly every dwelling and grounds are ornamented...There are no dilapidated front fences or gardens overgrown with weeds. There seems to be no second class. Mechanics live in as good style as merchants and lawyers, dress as well and no doubt know as much.." On October 28, 1886, at 2:45 PM a fire was discovered in a barn near the Sandy River Railroad tracks. It was thought to have been put out but sparks had been scattered by the wind. More buildings caught fire through the night and by the time it was over, 33 houses, 19 stores, three churches, two hotels, the post office, courthouse, the jail, and much of the town had been destroyed. We will start at Meetinghouse Park with a display of photos of the town before the fire and the town in ashes. We will walk the route the fire travelled through town and point out what was miraculously spared. As we go along, we'll stop here and there to describe the rapid rebuilding of the town and its interesting and varied architecture. When we return to the Park, refreshments will be available.

Accessibility: The bandstand at Meetinghouse Park is not wheelchair accessible but all the sidewalks in the park and on the route are ramped.

Starting and ending point: Meeting House Park

For questions about this walk, please email janeswalkme@gmail.com.