The Mackey House Fire
The Mackey House Fire, February 18, 1945
Unidentified Photographer
Constructed in 1886 by George Fee and J.J. Mackey, the Mackey House hotel was a large two story white frame building, extending from Oak Street to Main Street and siding on Ferguson Street. The building was one of the oldest in North Bay, and had been built across the road from the Canadian Pacific Railway station to cater to those travelling along the railway.
On February 18, 1945, the Mackey House block was devastated by a fire that started in one of the upstairs bedrooms. It was the third major fire of the year in the city. At the time of the fire, there were a variety of businesses operating out of the Mackey House.
Captain Bill Long is credited with saving the life of twenty-four year old Mrs. George Neault by carrying her out of the building through a wall of flames. William Dobrick, 73, tragically lost his life in the fire.
The Mackey House Fire, February 18, 1945
Unidentified Photographer