The Story of the Great Fire in St. John, N.B., June 20th, 1877

This volume offers a richly illustrated chronicle of a small Atlantic port that has been haunted by fire for decades. Beginning with the first recorded blaze of 1784, it traces how early settlers coped with limited fire‑engines, public wells, and community loans, setting the stage for the catastrophic inferno that engulfed St. John on June 20, 1877. Through excerpts from council minutes, personal letters, and contemporary sketches, the narrative paints a vivid picture of a city whose streets, churches, and businesses were repeatedly threatened by flames.

The first act follows the frantic hours as the fire spreads with terrifying speed, overwhelming wooden structures and forcing residents onto the streets. Listeners will hear the desperate pleas for water, the heroic effort of volunteers, and the arrival of the 97th regiment that set up a temporary camp amid the smoldering ruins. The account also explores how the disaster reshaped the town’s architecture and civic planning, hinting at the long road to recovery without revealing the final outcome.