On This Date in Minnesota History: April 28

April 28, 1904 – A fire started about 11:20 last night in the Harley block, in the heart of Brainerd, Minn., and for a time it was thought the entire business portion of the city was doomed.

The flames spread rapidly through the Hartley building and also to the Wise block on the corner and soon got beyond control of the fire department.

By 1:30 this morning the scene was one of awful devastation and the loss is estimated to reach nearly $250,000.

The fire began in the basement of Slipp Bros.’ hardware store, which is in the Hartley block, and as there was considerable oil and refuse there the flames spread rapidly.


Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “Costly Fire at Brainerd; Minnesota Town Suffers to the Extent of About $250,000.”; April 28, 1904; p. 1.

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