Rattlesnake Gal
Senior Member
Registered: November 2003
Location: Central NH
Posts: 5,252
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Fri November 19, 2004 2:58pm
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Nice photo McDude! The photo that I have in the wonderful book, Farewell Old Mount Washington, by Edward H. Blackstone, looks like there is possibly ice in Weirs Bay. The photo is taken the day after the fire. At this time I am unable to post the photo as I am awaiting permission from The Steamship Historical Society of America who still own the copyright. In my photo, there is snow on the opposite shore.
Captain and Mrs. Lavallee usually lived on the Mt. Washington, but had recently purchased a home at The Weirs because of the eminent sale, which was to happen in April. Typically the ship was moored in The Weirs Channel where the current kept heavy ice from forming, but repairs were necessary for the completion of the transaction and it was determined that it would be easier to work on if she were tied to the dock.
On December 23, 1939, just after 8:00 pm the fire broke out in the train station. Fred Moore, a local hotel owner who was passing by, discovered it. He reported seeing the stove full with coal. The door to the stove was open and live coals had fallen onto the floor, which started a rapid spreading fire. He immediately alerted the fire dept.
The railroad platform and wharf being made of pine boards were highly flammable.
Frantic workers broke away the ice and cut lines to free her, but due to low lake levels, she was stuck fast in the mud.
Captain Lavallee could see his beloved ship, which was burning. He tried to make his way to her, but the exertion had weakened his heart and he had a fainting spell. He did not reach the area of the fire until after mid-night as the flames were dying down.
The following morning all that was left of the queen of Winnipesaukee was charred, smoking ruins and blackened ironwork.
The Mount was estimated to be worth about $100,000 and was only partially insured. The damage to the B & M railroad station was around $75,000. A sightseeing plane and other buildings brought the total damage to about $200,000.
It was with heavy hearts that they bid farewell to a grand old friend.
The steamer Mt. Washington was barely cold when Captain Lavallee started the process of finding a replacement. “I’d build a new “Mount” if I were 30 years younger,” he stated. On December 28, 1939, he was in Burlington, Vermont arranging the purchase of the old steamboat “Chateaugay.” That’s a tale for another day.
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