Joslin v. National Reserve Insurance

The fire in question originated in the basement of the insured apartment house, which was owned by Hettie J. Joslin and occupied by several tenants. She collected the rents and occasionally went to the building, but never went into the basement. She employed a janitor to look after the building and apartments, clean the stairways, and attend to the heating plant which was in the basement. Tenants had access to the basement, but did not make use of the laundry facilities.

As found by the jury, upon ample evidence, the fire was caused by the operation, in the basement, of a still which was used…