"The unexpected happened this time. Our magnificent public school
house a pile of ruins." From the Valley Falls Historical Society
files, the following report, dated Oct. 5, 1898:
"No one had the remotest thought that the school house, the seat of
learning and the pride of the city, was the next to be taken by the
fire.
"Just before ten o'clock, less than an hour after school had been
called, Mrs. E. Summerfelt first noticed smoke issuing from the roof
of the school house and she hastened to the school rooms to give the
alarm. Elbert Allen happened to be in the school yard and fled to the
fire bell and sounded the alarm. The very tones of the bell, the
sharp, strong clangs seemed to mean a fire sure enough . . .
"The fire company and everyone else responded promptly and soon there
were streams of people hurrying to the school house where it was
feared that hundreds of children would be in danger. Their fears were
soon relieved, the teachers and pupils were all out of the burning
building and were safe.
"The fire spread rapidly under and over the large roof and it was soon
evident it was doomed. First the water pressure was inadequate . . .
people entered rooms and threw out books, slates, desks, and anything
they could handle. The water pressure improved and after roofs fell
in, the fire was soon under control and by half past eleven, the
worst was over.
"The lower floors were not very badly damaged and ceilings were fair.
The stone walls remained intact and only one chimney fell down. The
school was built in 1866. The building was insured for $8,000, which
will not cover the loss.
"When school will be resumed, even in temporary rooms, or what will be
done about rebuilding, has not been determined. Whether the fire
originated from a defective flue or a spark on the dry roof will
perhaps never be known."
The historical society museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 6. Admission is free. The 2011 calendars are available.
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