The Galveston Fire of '85 performed by Old Spanish Trail

The ensemble "Old Spanish Trail" of Houston Texas USA, all historically-informed musicians, seeks to illuminate the early decades of Houston by re-creating concerts and performances of pre-1900 Houston and its region. https://www.eellisonbassist.com/old-s... "The Galveston Fire of '85" by Jacob Day; words by Louis Gruetzmacher, commemorates the massive conflagration of 1885 that destroyed the heart of Galveston. To our knowledge, the song has never previously been recorded. It was on a Friday morn, about the hour of one, The fiery flames our Galveston did claim, Our firemen promptly came to see what could be done And with hopeful hearts the flames did try to maim; But the hydrants would not work and water hard to reach, While the norther with each moment would increase; 'Twas a horrid sight to those who were living near the beach, To see the town a burning piece by piece. CHORUS Then give a helping hand to those that are in need, For surely there is one that will approve, So open up your door, alas! the poor to feed, And remember you have little ones you love. Oh, the heat it was intense, and the suffering immense, To those that left their homes to save their lives; Some lost their very sight, and others lost their sense, While men fought through the fire to save their wives; There were mothers brave and true, who faced the danger too, In rescuing their babes that were asleep; Some knelt and pray'd to God to tell them what to do, While further on the arm of fire would creep. When the day began to dawn, forty squares or more were gone, And only ashes left to tell the tale; Our once bright happy town, now looks as if forlorn, But to mourn for that would be of no avail; The poor ones cried for help! and it came from far and wide, For North and South responded to the call; Our city did its best, her sorrows to hide, And the suffering ones will surely bless them all!