FLAMES DESTROY PLYMOUTH, N. H. PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

Plymouth, N. H., Jan. 5 (AP) -- Two three-story brick buildings and the Methodist church were destroyed early today in a fire which caused damage estimated unofficialy at more than $100,000.
The Keeler and Newbury blocks, housing stores, offices and apartments were swept by flames which spread to the church before they were brought under control.
COL. RALPH W. CASWELL, superintendent of the state police, kept in touch with his men by two-way radio from Concord and obtained the only information available on the fire as all telephone lines were cut off from Plymouth.
COL. CASWELL said the Keeler block was occupied by O'BRIEN'S clothing store, PERCY AYER'S insurance office, STEVENS hardware and PEASLEY'S drug store on the first floor and the Masonic lodge hall on the second floor, while the third floor was occupied by a family which fled down a fire escape.
Telephone cables which ran along the rear of the building were snapped by falling bricks, COL. CASWELL said, and an emergency crew was endeavoring to restore service.
The Newbury department store occupied the first floor of the second block. Offices were on the upper floors.
Fire apparatus from Laconia, Bristol, Campton and Woodstock aided the Plymouth forces in battling the flames.

Fitchburg Sentinel Massachusetts 1943-01-05
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!