The River

The Carthage Fire of 1884 burned across the Black River. The wind helped it spread and the leaves helped with the fire also. It was so big that it started on the shore and jumped from island to island. It burned a lot of factories and mills. Finally it got to shore. It went like a tornado. Nothing could stop it. It ruined everything in its path.

Elizabeth

State Bridge, leading from Carthage (eastern bank, left sideof photo) to West Carthage on the western bank. On the W. bank can be seen the Jones coal yard, the brick home presently occupied by the Sherrer Funeral Home, and , behind everything, the mansion of the M. P. Mason family.

This home was apparently filled with treasures gathered by Mr. and Mrs Mason during their world travels.

Across Bridge Street stands the (then) home of Dr. Bruce, a general practitioner. This home is still in excellent condition and is presently owned by Col. and Mrs. Babbit.

Both these homes are seen in the photo above: the Mason mansion on the skyline a little left of center, and the Bruce home also on the skyline, but right of the center.