FIRE RAZES HIGH SCHOOL IN WATKINS.

Watkins Glen, Jan. 15. -- (Special) -- Fire of undetermined origin destroyed the Watkins Glen High School last night.
Only the walls of the original structure were left standing.
The damage will exceed $250,000. It will be fully covered by insurance, school officials stated tonight.
Provisions for the 850 students will be made at a meeting of the school board today. Various church and fraternal organizations have offered their quarters for use as class rooms. Principal JOHN A. BEERS declared that it will be imperative to make arrangements at once to prepare for the regents examinations which will be conducted next week.
The fire broke out about 6 p.m. Members of the girls basketball team were dressing after practice when they smelled smoke. Investigation showed that the building was slowly being filled with smoke emanating from a room in the basement near the center of the building.
A strong wind, the accumulation of oil used on the floors and a ventilator shaft served as channels to turn the fire from an ordinary blaze to a conflagration of a serious nature.

Olean Evening Herald New York 1929-01-15
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!