Two Houses And Numerous Out Buildings Destroyed

On February 9, 1849 at 10:00 a.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for the George Beaver residence on Rail Road Street (today, Earl Street). When the firemen arrived heavy fire was found in the roof of the residence and very strong northwest winds were fanning the flames and causing it to spread rather quickly. Both hand engines were used being supplied by a bucket brigade formed by the firemen and citizens. By the time it was over the house was consumed along with the neighboring home of George Butts and numerous other small buildings. A cause was not mentioned but it was quite common for roofs to be set ablaze by sparks from a passing locomotive in those days. The Vigilant Fire and Alert Fire companies battled the blaze.

I had not planned to post a photograph today but when I got up this morning I felt like a little color was needed. This photograph was sent to me from Pat Shoop. Pat said his dad took the photo in Newville in the early 1970's at a pumping contest. I know most of the people in the photos but maybe someone can help me out with two of them. From left to right Walter "Fuzz" Geratt, Walter Crusey, Tommy Murray, Rick Sanders, and I don't know the names of the last two. They are leaning on the 1950 Seagrave Quad. I can't be responsible for mispelled names, heck I have enough trouble with my own sometimes.