Woodsville, NH Block Fire, Dec 1961

All-Night Fire Destroys Block In N. H. Town

WOODSVILLE, N. H., (AP)--A raging fire that burned all night destroyed a business block in downtown Woodsville. Damage was estimated at $125,000.

The flames broke out at 8 p.m. and quickly engulfed the three-story Central Street block.

Firemen finally brought the fire under control at 5 a.m. today.

Fire Chief Joseph Maccini said the big wooden building, 60 years old, was a total loss.

Part of the roof caved in and only the smouldering[sic] hulk was left when the flames were extinguished by the combined efforts of firemen from Woodsville and four other communities.

The first floor housed a newly opened hardware store, a 5 and 10 cent store, an automatic laundry and an oil company office.

On the second floor were lawyers' offices and the municipal court. The third floor contained apartment units, only one of which was occupied.

Atty. Luigie Castello, the owner, estimated the loss. Cause of the blaze was not determined.

Bennington Banner, Bennington, VT 5 Dec 1961
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Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!