Fire which broke out shortly before 8 o'clock last night destroyed the upper floor of the house built by the late Professor Alexander Agassiz '55, at 34 Quincy street, corner of Broadway, which he left in his will to the University. When the fire was discovered a still alarm was sent in and then a regular first and later a second alarm were sent in, calling engines from Brattle and Central squares. For an hour the trolley cars on Broadway were blocked.

The house, which is a large one, was occupied by the Speakers Club until two years ago. It is still owned by the University and is at present used by the Cambridge Trade School for Girls.

Besides the damage to the upper floor by fire, the entire house is water-soaked. The valuable ceilings and mural decorations which Professor Agassiz had there have been removed. The fire was caused by an overheated furnace, according to the Cambridge fire chief.

The blaze worked up, not spreading until it reached the top floor. The south-western corner of the building was untouched. The fire was discovered by Arthur Badger, of Quincy, who was visiting there. The damage is estimated at approximately $6,000. It was found necessary to cut away part of the walls and ceilings of the lower floors to get at the sections where the fire travelled up to the attic.