Fire Causes Heavy Damage To Rudolph’s Bakery

December 2, 1879 at 1:00 a.m. a fire broke out in Henry Rudolph’s bakery and residence situated on Main Street in the area of Penn Street. It was believed that a gas heater exploded causing a fire that gutted the interior of the large building. The blaze was first discovered in the rear of the building under the stairwell and extended rapidly through the stairs and a ventilation flue. Both fire engines established water supplies from a cistern and well. Firemen battled the blaze for over two hours before bringing it under control. It was stated “the fire was fought from cellar to garret (attic) with a resistance almost heroic”. Damages were estimated at $5,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies operated at the scene.