River Falls, WI Normal School Fire, Nov 1897

NORMAL SCHOOL BURNED.

STATE INSTITUTION AT RIVER FALLS DESTROYED BY FIRE.

LOSS IS PLACED AT $75,000 WITH ONLY $55,000 INSURANCE -- SCHOOL WILL BE CONTINUED IN CHURCHES AND HALLS -- WILL BE REBUILT.

River Falls, Nov. 30. -- The state Normal school building here was destroyed by fire last evening. The flames broke out in the laboratory on the third floor about eight o'clock and in spite of the efforts of the firemen the flames forced their way to the attic and in a few minutes the whole roof was ablaze. Owing to the height of the structure the firemen worked at a disadvantage and in a short time the main building was burned. The wing containing the engine room was saved. A greater portion of the contents were destroyed. A good share of the library and pianos and the furniture in the kindergarten were saved. The building and contents were insured for $55,000 and the loss is about $75,000. The building was erected in 1874. Steps have been taken to continue school in halls and churches. The school has been very prosperous and the attendance up to the capacity of the building. It will be rebuilt without delay.

Oshkosh Daily Northwestern Wisconsin 1897-11-30
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!