Comments on: The Story of the Ålesund Fire of 1904

By: Julia Hawley

Julia Hawley — Mon, 19 May 2025 20:02:36 +0000

In about 1975, aged 9, at the house where I grew up in England, I found a framed panoramic set of 3 photographs of somewhere with mountains, sea and a massive town rebuilding project and the text ‘Aalsund 1-2-1904’. I searched every atlas and encyclopedia in our local library (no internet then!) but could find nowhere called Aalsund. A couple of years later, a further search found ‘Aalsund (Alesund)’ and from there it was easy! I found a bit of information in an encyclopedia and then wrote to the Norwegian Embassy in London with a sketch of the image to ask more about the fire. They sent me some information and suggested I make a copy of the photo to send to the museum at Alesund – which I did, and I had a lovely letter back in return. Intend to visit, one day!

By: Kory Slaatthaug

Kory Slaatthaug — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:59:49 +0000

In reply to Roy Torgeirson. I give tours of Waldehuset in Ålesund, (page 36 of your grandfather’s book) Today a 94 year old lady came for a visit. She tried to sign a local song, that was written commemorating the fire, but only remembered the melody and a few lines of the song. Do you happen to have any more information about that commemorative song, or another song that she tried to remember about Keiser Wilhelm II, and his help rebuilding Ålesund ?

By: Roy Torgeirson

Roy Torgeirson — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:58:51 +0000

In reply to David Nilson. My grandfather was from Ålesund. He was a writer and also wrote the book “ Byen Brenner” , or, The City on Fire! Still have a copy of the book.

By: Roy Torgeirson

Roy Torgeirson — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 16:31:38 +0000

I’m lucky to have a grandfather that grew up in the most beautiful city called Ålesund. He also wrote the book “Byen Brenner” (City on Fire), about the 1904 fire.
His name was Reinert Torgeirson.

By: Bob Connolly

Bob Connolly — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 11:46:38 +0000

What is a ‘manual pull station’? (‘Within about 15 minutes of the fire starting, the fire watchtower observed an open fire and two alarms were received from manual pull stations.’)

By: David Nilson

David Nilson — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 17:23:46 +0000

Was there significant participation from Brussels, France, or England involved in Alesund’s design or reconstruction? Who were the Norwegian Architects and where were they trained and inspired? Is their company still in existence?
My point is: the actual designers and builders are seldom acknowledged, but the authors, publishers and artists are always given full recognition.