Groesbeck, TX High School Fire, Feb 1910

GROESBECK HIGH SCHOOL DESTROYED

FLAMES CONSUME STRUCTURE VALUE $15,000---SURROUNDING PROPERTY SAVED.

Special to The News.

Groesbeck, Tex., Feb. 3.---This morning at 11 o'clock the High School Building was totally destroyed by fire. A piano, a large number of new seats, wearing apparel and books were also burned.

The town was greatly excited when it became known the school building was on fire, as the enrollment is about 400 pupils.

The building was valued at $15,000 and insured for $10,000 with the following companies: Caledonian $2,000, Westchester $2,000, Shawnee $1,000, National of Hartford $2,000, Home Insurance Company of New York, $1,500, America Central of St. Louis $1,500.

The local chemical engine was taken into the building and the fire spread so fast it was abandoned and was also destroyed.

Milton, young son of W. F. Batchelor, jumped from a window and had both arms severely sprained.

Great credit is due the local fire company and citizens for saving all the residences in the immediate neighborhood as the wind was blowing almost a gale.

There is already a movement on foot by the citizens to build a fireproof building, costing at least $25,000.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, TX 4 Feb 1910
__________________

Transcribed by Linda Horton. Thank you, Linda!