On this day October 13

October 13, 1964 at approximately 11:15 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded at Cressler’s Fruit Market, 209 West King Street, Shippensburg. A fire believed to be caused by an overheated flue in the incinerator caused $250,000 damage to the business. Over 200 firemen from 10 fire companies battled the blaze. The fire destroyed the warehouse attached to the rear of the store and caused extensive smoke and water damage to the main store and stock. The office area was also badly damaged. Borough fire chief Donald Witter declared the fire under control at 1:30 p.m. Several employees and firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation and one fireman was treated for lacerations after he fell through the roof.

Answering the alarm from Shippensburg were the Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies. The three companies remained on the scene until 3:04 p.m. when they answered an alarm at the Galen Asper farm on the Baltimore Road for a brush fire. They returned to Cressler’s and remained there until 9:30 p.m. At 4:30 a.m. the following morning the companies again returned to Cressler’s when a rekindle occurred in the ruble of the burnt out section of the building.

Sunday’s post will not be added until later in the day.

A couple of people yesterday brought it to my attention that they were having trouble posting a comment. If you are not a member of Google and are not signed in, after typing your comment you must click in the little anonymous circle below the comment box then click on the publish comments.