Brandywine, DE Park Skating Rink Fire, Jul 1911

Fire Destroys Rink At Brandywine Park

People's Railway Power House Threatened - Port of Wilmington Makes Good Showing

Special to The Inquirer
Wilmington, Del., July 24. - Fire supposed to have been caused by lightning entered the building over electric light wire this afternoon completely destroyed the skating rink adjoining Brandywine Springs Park, and for a time threatened the auxiliary power house of the People's Railway adjoining, which plant is used to supply light and current for the big park. The Water Witch Automobile fire engine and the Union Fire Company's apparatus were summoned and General Manager R. W. Crook of the People's Railway, placed a fire-fighting crew on a big double-trucked car and rushed them to the scene. By the time that the firemen arrived the rink was a mass of ruins and the men turned their attention to saving the power plant, whaich had been kept from catching on fire by the fire department of the park, assisted by a bucket brigade.

The end of the power house was scorched, but no serious damage was done. The rink belonged to J. G. Justis Co., which bought it at sheriff sale when it was sold from the Springs Amusement Company. It valued at $3200. A valuable organ and a number of pairs of skates belonging to J. G. Justis, of Newport, were also destroyed.

The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, PA 25 Jul 1911

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Transcribed by Lori Hedges. Thank you, Lori!