Progress and Government Reforms that were brought about due to the Fire of 1910 in Lake Charles Louisiana

Progress and Government Reforms that were brought about due to the Fire of 1910 in Lake Charles Louisiana

Introduction

On April 23rd, 1910, the seven city blocks were devastated by a fire in Lake Charles, Louisiana bringing about more than $750,000 in the damage of property. The fire began at the back of a chain of buildings located on Ryan Street together with the vacant Opera House, a soft drink stand and Gunn's Bookstore. The fire widen all over from Ryan Street to the famous Catholic Church and the Courthouse, ultimately obliterating the downtown area which was two blocks broad and nearly half a mile elongated to the southeast. The fire continued to spread devastation for 4 hours and smashed up109 buildings. A number of residences and commercial buildings were destroyed, in addition to the City Hall and the rectory, school, convent. Thus, the fire of 1910 in Lake Charles Louisiana is considered as the most horrifying and dreadful fire in the history of this world.

Discussion

By the year 1910, Lake Charles was developing big enough to be brazened out with the troubles of metropolis life. The phase between the years1910 and 1916 can be split into 3 stages. The period from January 1910 to April 23rd, 1910 falls in the range of first stage, when the city experienced a disastrous fire, which shattered most of the developments made in the past. The next stage was a period of reconstruction throughout which Lake Charles witnessed economic shortfall, which could not be resolved by the 1899 aldermanic system; these circumstances gave rise to the implementation of the government's commission form by the city. For the period of the third stage that is from 1913 till 1916, the implementation of the commission form invigorated city government and presented a strengthened fiscal foundation derived from municipal developments.

The time between January 1910 and 23rd April, 1910 was typified by zealous progressive reform. Even though Lake Charles was in debt at that time, a number of developments were made. A beautification campaign was intensified and incorporated by The Commercial Club. A special election was arranged by the council to substitute the position of Alderman A. N. Jones; in addition, Mayor Richard declared that he had finished the preparations to buy a set of harness and a cart for the fire department, which was considered to be a prominent contribution to its effectiveness. Also, the Board of Trade supported immigration and stated that it was getting around 10 inquiries per day regarding Lake Charles. On 11th March, 1910, the Sewerage Commission convened and got the final estimates and plans for the sewerage system projected $160,000. The sidewalks were improved by the council plus paving improvements were also made during this phase.

Government Reforms and Progress after the Devastation of the Fire of 1910 in Lake Charles Louisiana

On April 23rd, 1910, Lake Charles's future was put in hazard by a catastrophic and unfortunate fire, ...