Rhinehart’s Apartments Damaged In Suspicious Fire

On August 5, 1968 at 12:05 a.m. Shippensburg firemen were sent to a building fire at Rhinehart’s Apartment, 33 West King Street by the local Civil Defense Room. The fire started in the living room of a second floor, rear apartment. Firemen were able to contain the blaze to the apartment of origin but thick smoke filled the other six apartments and water seeped in the G. E. Rhinehart Sons appliance store on the first floor. Borough Fire Chief Dan Orris called in Cumberland County Fire Marshall William Sweet to assist with the investigation. A 27 year old man was arrested later that morning and charges with arson. Damages were estimated at $5,000 and firemen remained on the scene until 2:20 a.m. The Vigilant Hose, Cumberland Valley Hose and West End Fire and Rescue companies answered the alarm.