On This Date in Minnesota History: January 12

January 12, 1900 – The most destructive fire in the history of Dassel, Minn., broke out about 12:30 this morning in a barber shop, located in the center of the main business block on Front Street. The flames spread rapidly to the adjoining property, while citizens stood helplessly by, the water works department being found to be absolutely useless. Aid was asked from Litchfield, but before a special train and firemen arrived from that town, a large section of property had been laid to waste.

During the progress of the fire there was a terrific explosion, either from powder in the hardware store or alcohol in the saloons, which scattered the burning fire brands over a wide area, and caused injury to four persons, although none of the injuries were serious.

At 2 a.m., the post office building took fire and was destroyed.

Dassel is a thriving village in Meeker County on the line of the Great northern railway, 12 miles from Litchfield, the county seat, and 56 miles from Minneapolis. It has three elevators, steam flouring and wool carding mills, a bank, a newspaper and a fine school. It was incorporated in 1878, and a few years ago a fire department was organized and equipped. Why the facilities for fighting fire proved inadequate this morning is not known.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Big Blaze At Dassel. Thriving Village in Meeker County Threatened With Destruction. A Large Portion of Its Business Center Laid Waste by Flame. Facilities for Fighting the Fire Prove Worthless When Needed.”; Jan. 12, 1900; p. 1.

Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain Nov. 5, 2016,
as long as acknowledgement included.  

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