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Fire destroys Eldorado Cafe building

Kimberley lost one of its old landmarks when the Eldorado Cafe was razed by fire early Tuesday morning. The alarm was turned in at 2:30 a.m. and the C.M.&S. fire brigade was at the scene in a matter of minutes. Cause of the blaze is unknown but it is thought that it started in the second storey. This old wooden structure which was tinder dry, was a raging inferno before the firemen could get their hoses into play. Hampered by clouds of acrid smoke and sub-zero weather, these men did a magnificent job in keeping the fire within the confines of the cafe. Sparks as large as fifty cent pieces were seen falling as far from the blaze as Rossland Heights. The sixteen inches of snow that fell over the weekend was a great factor in keeping the fire from spreading. Guests of the adjoining Kimberley Hotel were aroused and prepared to leave if it had been found necessary. The weather was at its worst and the men who fought the conflagration were quickly sheathed in an icy armour. Chapman Camp Fire Brigade responded to a call for assistance and with the combined forces, none of the adjoining business premises were touched by fire. Some water and smoke damage was sustained by Sorensen's Grocery Store. Despite the cold weather a large number of apprehensive persons from nearby buildings viewed the fire.
The premises of 235 Taxi received volumes of water, which quickly turned to ice. All equipment was safely removed and the office moved to the bus depot.
A great deal of praise is due to our city volunteer fire department. They fought the blaze heroically and efficiently, under the supervision of Fire Chief J. Shaw. Although sheathed in ice they carried on until all danger of fire to adjoining buildings was past. A heavy mantle of snow on nearby buildings helped considerably to keep the fire from spreading.
The fire brought to light one thing in a hurry, which was that our firemen were not clothed to fight a fire in sub-zero weather. It is hoped that before another winter rolls around that this important matter will be remedied.
Erected about 1900, the Eldorado Cafe was moved to its present site from the corner of Wallinger and Spokane Street where the Kimberley Tire Shop now stands. In the early days of this community, this building served as General Store and the second storey was the Community Dance Hall. It was operated for a number of years under the name of the Home Inn, a name by which it is still better known. Mr. Paul Fenski took over the business in 1950 from Mr. McKinnon, changing the name from the Blue Spot to its present name.
It is believed that the building was partially covered with insurance.

New medical-dental clinic building is superb structure

Kimberley's new Medical-Dental Clinic Building will be officially opened on Saturday next, June 2nd. This new building, which was erected by the Kimberley Medical and Hospital Services Society is something that everyone in Kimberley and district can be justly proud of. It is modern in every detail and every convenience has been provided for the medical and dentists staff and assistants. Visitors will also find that every modern convenience has also been provided for their comfort.
The building, which is centrally located on Howard Street on the old Elks' building site, measures 60 feet by 80 feet and contains two floors and a large concrete basement. It is an up-to-date structure with modern building methods used throughout. A feature of the building is the sound proof ceilings in every room, which creates a noiseless and restful atmosphere. The whole building is also airconditioned, which is automatically controlled. The heating system is also automatically controlled.
The building contains an automatic fire alarm and sprinkler system, and fire extinguishers are distributed throughout. There is also a fire escape door on each floor. Venetian blinds are used on all window.

The ground floor

On the ground floor is located a splendid waiting room for medical patients. It is furnished with upholstered lounges and chairs, with magazine racks. It is fitted with recessed lights, and double glazed windows, which are frost proof. The walls are painted a soft grey and grey rubber tiling covers the floor. The room measures 22 feet by 26 feet. Restrooms for men and women adjoins the waiting room.
The ground floor also contains the nurses room with surgery room adjoining, also storeroom off the nurses room.
There are also five doctors consulting rooms, each with an adjoining examining room. The walls are painted in a pleasing sun-yellow color and the floors are covered with grey marboleum, which is used throughout most of the building. At the right of the entrance is located the offices of the Kimberley Medical Society and beyond that is the Doctors' Library and Board Room.

The second floor

The second floor contains a dental waiting room furnished with upholstered chairs, and the walls are painted a light green. Adjoining the waiting room are six dentists offices, which provides accommodation for three dentists. The walls are painted a sun-yellow with peach colored ceilings. There is also a dental lab, adjoining, which is fitted with 30 feet of cupboards. Men's and women's washrooms are also provided.

On the same floor is located an optometrist office suite, including examining room, fitting room and work room.

Provision has also been made for the Public Health Nurse and sanitary inspector.

The basement

The fireproof basement contains an automatic oil furnace, and an Iron Fireman Automatic Commercial Oil burner and storage tank. Air conditioning plant, electric switchboard room and the janitor's room are also in the basement.

Local contractor

This superb, modern building was built by the local contracting firm, Fabro Building and Supply Co. Ltd., and is a credit to their ability and workmanship. This well known Firm have constructed many of our city buildings and the new medical-dental building is another brilliant achievement. John Macieyski, local resident, who has been with Fabro Building since incorporation, along with A.R. Varty, a newcomer to the district, were foremen in charge of construction.

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