Historic Fires of Fredericton

    Fraser's Aberdeen Mill Fire
    August 11, 1905

Located at Ste Anne's Point (where presently the Fredericton Sheraton Hotel is located), the Donald Fraser and Sons Aberdeen Mill fire occurred on Friday August 11, 1905. The exact cause was unknown, but was suspected to have started among fine shavings that were hot from friction. The losses were in excess of $100,000; half of which was covered by insurance.

The Daily Gleaner - August 1905

The fire grew to great intensity very quickly. The men working in the mill barely escaped with their lives, leaving coats and other personal belongings behind.

There was no water main on Woodstock road at the time. and there was little that could be done. Mr Hawthorne and Mr Todd (of the former Alexandra Steam Engine Company) went to Morrison's mill and got the old Alexandra Steam Engine, where it was serving after being retired from service by the city. It was fired up down by the shore of the river and performed admirably.

After the fire, there was much public debate about the lack of fire protection on the Woodstock Road. Mr Fraser stated to City Council that he would rebuild, but only if water mains were extended to the site.