Antigo, WI high school fire, Jan 1916

ANTIGO HIGH SCHOOL BURNS WITH LOSS OF $100,000

Flames Not Discovered Till Heating Plant Was Destroyed. Beautiful Building Now Blackened Ruins - Will Rebuild.

(News Tribune Special.)

ANTIGO, Wis., Jan. 6. - The $100,000 high school building, the pride of the city, was totally destroyed by fire early this morning.

The origin of the fire has not yet been definitely determined, but it is believed to have started in the boiler room of the heating plant adjacent to the main building.

The fire was not discovered until about 3 o'clock, after the heating plant was entirely destroyed and the high school building was a mass of flames. Fanned by a high wind the fire was beyond control and despite the efforts of the fire department nothing could be done to save the building. The one time pride of the city stands today a mass of ruins. Only the blackened walls remain, the interior having been destroyed.

The high school building was built only a few years ago. It is a four-story brown stone building and was considered one of the finest and best equipped schools in this part of the state. The loss is $100,000.

All sessions of the city schools were adjourned today. Efforts will be made to hold classes in the grade buildings, in churches and other public buildings that can be utilized.

Plans are already on foot for rebuilding. A meeting of the board of education has been called for the discussion and arrangements of temporary plans tomorrow morning.

The Duluth News Tribune, Duluth, MN 7 Jan 1916
__________________

Transcribed by Tim Taugher. Thanks, Tim!