Massillon, OH Witherald & Wells Window Glass Works Fire, Aug 1886

Massillon Window-Glass Works Burned.

Massillon, O., Aug 11.-In about one hour’s time near noon today the window glass works of Witherald & Wells in this city were converted into a mass of ruins by a fire which is supposed to have started from a spark thrown on the frame roof by a passing locomotive. There was so much inflammable material within the building that all efforts to arrest progress of the flames was futile. The only building saved of those covering about seven acres of land was an isolated brick structure in which pots were manufactured and stored. It contained sixty pots worth $10 each. All the office furniture and effects were removed without damage and the books and valuable papers are supposed to be secure in a fireproof safe. Russell & Co.’s extensive agricultural machinery establishment on the other side of the canal was fired in a number of places by flying embers, but the damage was slight. The destroyed works were a ton-pot factory built two years ago by the present proprietors, and were in readiness to resume increased facilities September 1, after being idle almost four months. They gave employment to fifty men and boys. The factory will be rebuilt within three months. It is estimated by the firm that the total direct less than $50,000. The aggregate insurance is $45,500, $28,000 of which is on the building.

The Ohio Democrat, New Philadelphia, OH 19 Aug 1886
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Transcribed by Jenni Lanham.