Robinsonville WI Chapel Fire Jan 1922

Chop Fire From Burning Roof of Historic Chapel
Lacking the modern fire fighting equipment in the little Belgian village of Robinsonville, two villagers chopped a fire from the burning roof of the od historic chapel of the Sisters convent, Robinsonville, Thursday and saved the church from possible total destruction.
About 30 men responded to the general alarm some tramping two miles through the snow to the fire which is believed to have started from a spark from the chimney. The loss is covered by insurance, it was said.
The little chapel, built in 1858, is known throughout the country. Thousands of people come here on Aug. 15 of each year, known as Assumption Day in the Catholic faith and say mass. The procession to the shrine is generally several miles in length and mass is held outdoors.
Chapel and convent are held in great reverence by Robinsonville residents. The little chapel, which has a seating capacity of about 250, is always crowded to the doors, with scores more on the outside, hearing mass. When the convent caught fire last January, it was saved only through a miracle, residents say. The roof of the structure was burning fiercely, then suddenly when it looked as if the building were doomed, the flames subsided with only slight damage.
In a few days following the fire thousands of Belgians from all parts of the Door, Kewaunee and Brown counties visited the chapel and convent, offering up thanks the it had been saved. They also point out that the great Peshito fire of 1871 burned all around the chapel, but did not touch it with its fiery tongue.
This year's pilgrimage is expected to be the largest ever witnessed as the fame of Robinsonville is spreading throughout the country. Hundreds of tourists from all parts of the country visit the shrine, which is only three miles from New Franken off highway 54.

Green Bay Gazette, Green Bay, WI 28 Jan 1922

__________________