The Restless Viking: The Metz Fire – A Michigan Tragedy

This article was originally published on November 15, 2022 on The Restless Viking website.

The Fire

Following a wet spring in 1908, the summer in eastern side of northern Michigan’s lower peninsula had been dry. On October 15th rampant winds caused a random spark to start a tragic fire. The blaze had started in Millersburg and grew quickly.

The flames burnt northward for 31 miles until it reached Lake Huron. At Hammond Bay the fire had appeared to be dying out when suddenly the wind changed pushing the blaze southward toward the town of Metz where nearly 700 people called ‘home.’

Receiving telegraph messages, the Detroit-Mackinac Railroad quickly sent a train to Metz so families could be evacuated.

John Zimmerman Family

The Zimmerman household was 25 feet from the railroad tracks. John and his family doused quilts and spread them over their roof hoping to save their home. Some of John’s five children begged to board the train which had been sent to evacuate the Metz residents. John refused.

John’s daughter, Augusta later said, “It seemed hard to see everyone going away in the cars while we were staying behind. But father said, ‘No children, if we’re going to burn, we’ll burn right here on our own place. We’re safer here, anyway, than we would be out in the woods on the cars.”

Augusta continued her tale. “But alas, father said it was no use. The wind blew so hard we could scarcely hold on to the things that we carried out from the house.” Augusta had shared that their dad took the drenched quilts and wrapped each child with instructions to bury cans of bread and butter out in the field. This was to ensure the family would have something to eat if they managed to escape the blaze.

John continued to fight the fire, but soon joined his offspring in the field. They all survived the blaze!

Adolph, a pre-teen son, had released the cows and horses from the barn. He also had pulled out their stash of lumber. These boards were used to build a lean-to shelter the following day. Then walls were added to the structure so the Zimmermans and other survivors, with the sum of 15 souls, would have a warmer place to stay as winter weather crept stealthily toward the area.

George Cicero

As the fire raged toward Metz, George Cicero, a railroad employee, assisted his wife, Lizzie, and their children into an open gondola car: Margaret (7), George Jr. (5) and Gerlen (2). Two mothers climbed aboard each had three small children. Several others took time to load furniture, household goods and even a cash register.

With his family safe, George turned his attention to the rail station. He sent telegraph updates with his last being, “I can send no more. This building is all afire.” George ran to the next town surviving the inferno hoping to soon be reunited with his wife and children.

The Detroit Mackinac Rescue Train

It was reported that about 40 people, mostly women and children, had boarded the rescue train.

As the rescue locomotive rounded this bend, fire engulfed the carriages from both sides. Cedar posts burned along one flank and the hemlock shingle company was ablaze along the other border. The heat was so intense that the tracks had melted causing the train to derail.

Some fled the train cars, but were badly burnt. The following day, survivors came to inspect the derailment. There, in the gondola car, only ashes remained of the three mothers and their nine children. Heartbreakingly, George Cicero would never see his wife, Lizzy, and their three children: Margaret, George, Jr. and Gerlen.

Tragically, thirty-seven people lost their lives that October day. 700 people were suddenly homeless as 134 dwellings had been destroyed.

Burials

Earnest Theme, the pastor, wrote, “Sunday, I buried at one funeral service, ten members of our church family who died in the fire. It was a strange worship service which I conducted with a loudly sobbing congregation alongside my church in ashes conducted over open graves. I’ve never experienced such despair in my whole life. At first I could not begin. I leaned against a lonely standing fence post and wept. Perhaps for the first time since I was a child.”

Relief Sent – Earnest P. Bickness

Only 14 days before the horrific fire, Ernest P. Bicknell had been appointed as the National Director of Relief Operations for the Red Cross. Bicknell, along with D&M Railroad and Red Cross President, J.D. Hawks, oversaw the construction of 165 shacks as housing for Metz’s families along with donations of goods. A commendable undertaking after only two weeks as the National Director.

News of this tragedy spread quickly throughout the state. The wealthy community members of Grosse Pointe were quick to respond. Many sent their rarely worn evening gowns and fine hats. These garments were probably the finest ever worn by the farming community members of Metz.

Survivors’ Housing

Metz Reflection

These people’s stories of tragedy and triumph are now part of me. I felt their devastation and their hope. Let’s all learn from the past, be willing to help others and focus on those who have endured such difficulty yet continued to move forward through grief.

Chuck and Martha Hayden, aka The Viking and Poppins, enjoy going on adventures off the beaten path. They also like to share their explorations with others. The Viking is a retired expedition leader while Poppins is a retired teacher. The two offer independent views of their journeys showcasing places, people, and cultures as they explore the world. Visit and follow them on their website and social media accounts. Website | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube