Two Barns Destroyed

On July 6, 1949 shortly after 5:00 p.m. a barn was struck by lightning at the Paul Stum farm Newville R.R. 3. While the Newville firemen battled the blazer another barn another barn was struck by lightning at the farm of Edgar McElwee, Shippensburg R. R. 1, Spring Road near the Ritner Highway. Since the phone lines were down because of the storm the McElwees had to drive six miles before they could call for help. Because of the delay the barn was a total loss including a grain drill, hay loader, feed chopper, wagon, 500 bales of hay, and other items. Damages were estimated at $15,000. The Vigilant Hose Company answered the alarm along with the second engine from Newville.