Clinton, ME Croquet Factory Fire, Apr 1880

Croquet Factory Burned in Clinton - Loss $25,000.

Waterville, April 28. The Croquet factory at Clinton, rented and occupied by L. Hunter & Co., was burned to the ground this morning. Loss on the building $25,000; insured $2,250. Loss on stock $6,000; insured $2,000. The fire originated in the furnace room.

Bangor Daily Whig and Courier, Bangor, ME 29 Apr 1880

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On the morning of April 28, 1880, the most disastrous fire that had ever visited Clinton occurred. The croquet factory, operated by Z. Hunter & Company was completely destroyed, thus throwing out of employment 32 hands and destroying the best business in the village. Two thousand eighty two sets of croquet ready to ship were burned. At the time of the fire 150 sets of croquet were being turned out daily. The factory was established in 1872 by Henry Hanson, and was valued at $15,000. The owners at the time of the fire were Dodge & Jaquith, G.A. Spearin & Co., Decker, E.G. Hodgdon and others.

The Clinton and Benton Register, 1904, pages 17-18
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