On September 8, 1900 at 3:30 p.m. an alarm of fire was sounded for the Shippensburg Gas Light Company for an explosion. An explosion occurred in the building blowing out one of the block walls and setting the woodwork on fire. Firemen arrived quickly and soon had several lines playing water onto the blaze. A man working in the building at the time was killed in the fire his body burnt beyond recognition. Damages were estimated at $1,000. The Vigilant Hose and Cumberland Valley Hose companies responded.The photographs today are from the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association Convention held in Shippensburg on September 8 and 9 1915. This was the first firemen's convention ever held in the borough. During this time period Shippensburg was home to Clyde A. Laughlin a photographer that made many post cards over the years (he was known as the post card king of the Cumberland Valley). He made a series of post cards for the firemen's convention, unfortunately I don't own the complete set. More photos from the convention on Tuesday but the event itself will be saved for another year.
2 comments:
When did they stop building arches for the conventions and why?
Former PHFD AC
I can't answer that question. I know this was the last time Shippensburg did it and I don't recall seeing locally any later than this. My guess for stopping was the change from horse and buggy to cars they took up more space and also brought about the paving of roads. This would have made the arches bigger and harder to anchor.
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