Tragedy, Survival, and Rebuilding in Presque Isle County
On this day in history, October 15, 1908, a series of massive fires swept through the pine forests of Presque Isle County, Michigan. Fueled by strong winds and dry conditions, the flames spread rapidly, engulfing the village of Metz. The fire continued eastward, threatening Rogers City, reaching the outskirts of Alpena, and even jumping across Grand Lake before finally burning out along the Lake Huron shore. While it became known as “The Metz Fire” due to its severe impact on the village, its destruction extended far beyond Metz itself.
The Detroit & Mackinac Railroad Gondola Car
One of the most harrowing episodes of the fire occurred just southeast of Metz. The Detroit & Mackinac Railroad had sent a train to evacuate residents as flames approached. Villagers climbed aboard, some bringing their beds, dressers, and trunks. A saloon owner loading his stock of liquor delayed the train’s departure. A decision with tragic consequences.
As the train pulled out of a village engulfed in flames. At Nowicki’s Siding, stacks of cedar posts, railroad ties, and hemlock bark blazed on both sides of the track. The intense heat warped the steel rails, derailing the train. About 40 residents were on board; some escaped by crawling back along the tracks, but many perished in the blaze. Twelve people in the gondola, including nine children who died alongside their mothers were victims.
Two young girls, Theresa and Louise Hardies, aged 6 and 5, miraculously survived. They clung to the coat of a man who had jumped from the burning gondola. Louise was stunned by the fall, while Theresa eventually made her way to a clearing before being found by her cousin. Edward Hardies had tried to save his wife and children, rescuing Louise first before attempting to reach the rest of his family—but the fire cut him off.
Refusing to Evacuate
Not everyone chose to board the evacuation train. John Zimmerman, a farmer just outside Metz, refused to let his children ride, believing they were safer at home. His son Augusta recalled their ordeal:
“When everybody was getting ready to go on the train, we all gathered around father and teased him to let us go, too. But father said, ‘No children, if we are going to burn, we will burn right here on our own place. We are safer here, anyway, than we would be out in the woods on the cars.’”
The family tried desperately to save their home. They pumped tubs of water, soaked quilts to cover the roof, and carried out bread and butter to bury in the field for later. As the fire became unstoppable, they wrapped the children in wet quilts and moved to a nearby field. Adolph Zimmerman rescued the family’s livestock and helped build a makeshift shed with lumber and a hay rake, where the family spent the night. By the next day, the first house in Metz had been rebuilt from salvaged materials, quickly sheltering 15 people.
The Zimmerman family, along with Theresa and Louise Hardies, eventually made their way to John’s brother’s home in Detroit while their Metz home was rebuilt.
A Family’s Narrow Escape
The Lapczinsky family faced another close call near Grand Lake. When the fire jumped across the lake, the family of four went missing, feared drowned or burned. They were found alive at the cottage of Bliss Stebbins, along with six others:
“Six of us were in a lumber camp near the lake Thursday night,” said Mr. Stebbins. “We did not think the fire was serious and turned in at the usual hour. About 11 o’clock we were awakened by Lapczinsky, who gave the alarm. We just had time to get to the lake when the flames burst through the forest. We pushed our boat out and waded a long distance along the shore to a part of the forest where the fire had not yet come. There we rested awhile, until the flames approached, then launched our boat again and pulled for Grand Island. There was a tremendous wind, and it was all we could do to keep afloat with ten in the boat. In the morning we tried to reach the mainland, but the fire was still burning. Finally, we succeeded in reaching the clubhouse and cottages, where we have stayed ever since. We did not know that people were searching for Lapczinsky.”
The fire destroyed the lumber camps of Emery Martin Lumber Co. and Joseph Ritilitz near Presque Isle, though fortunately there were no fatalities in this area.
The Aftermath of the Fire
The devastation was immense. Approximately 200,000 acres were destroyed and 42 people lost their lives. News reports described the dire situation:
“The Metz refugees are sadly in need of warm underclothing, shoes and stockings, bedding, and stoves. The food supply is sufficient for a few days, but no longer. Lumber has been sent, but more is needed. Tools are scarce. Cooking tinsels are few. Hay and grain for the remaining horses and cattle must be procured. In the immediate vicinity of Metz there are 84 families without homes, nearly all penniless and in want.”
Relief efforts poured in from across Michigan. Railroads delivered supplies, and temporary 16’ x 20’ shacks made from boards and tar paper, equipped with small wood stoves, provided shelter. Winter approached, and aid continued arriving, notably from the wealthy Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe.
The community came together, supporting each other through tragedy. Today, Metz is a smaller community than it was in 1908, but many residents are descendants of those who survived and helped rebuild the village. The Metz Fire stands as a testament to human courage, resilience, and the power of community in the face of disaster.
