Rotary learns about devastating fireDavid Costano of the Potter County Historical Society recently gave a presentation to the Coudersport Rotary Club about the fire of 1880 in downtown Coudersport.
David Costano, director of the Potter County Historical Society, gave a presentation to the Coudersport Rotary Club on what was the worst disaster to strike Potter County’s seat in its long history.
The fire of 1880 broke out on May 18, 1880, at 3 p.m. in the area that now houses O.I.P. Restaurant and spread throughout the wooden-structure buildings in the surrounding area. The cause of the fire was thought to be spontaneous combustion from either pipes, tobacco or cigars.
In that time in Coudersport, according to Costano, the businesses were compacted together, and the areas affected by the event were the Glassmire Hotel and a barn located on the property, a barber shop and other buildings in the downtown area.
According to Costano, at the time of the fire precedent was placed on getting residents out of the apartments in the area and goods out of the businesses in the area being affected by the fire.
The fire leapt over to the north along Main Street and was left to burn itself out. According to Costano, there “was little anyone could do.”
Among the businesses affected were law offices, a bank and the Post Office. According to Costano, the “temporary” post office was set up in what is now the permanent location of the Post Office. The Glassmire Hotel was lost in the fire, carrying loss of $16,000.
The effect of the fire took Coudersport 24 years to recover, and it was the creation of the Pine Creek-Jersey Shore Railroad that allowed the town to prosper, as lumber, goods and other products were being transported to town.
The Historical Society is always seeking new members. The fee is $10 per year, and interested persons can stop by the Society to secure membership.
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