Destruction of Milford Town Hall

Destruction of Milford Town Hall

The municipal building and town hall at Milford, Conn., was recently destroyed by fire which started from an unknown cause at the centre of the second floor and burned about three hours. The building, a two and one-half story structure of wood with lath and plaster partition walls, was erected seventy-five years ago and was 100 feet deep, by about 175 feet wide. The fire was first seen at 12.35 A. M., by several people and an alarm was sent by telephone. When the first apparatus arrived the entire centre of the building was blazing and flames were bursting from the tower and the roof was ready to fall in. A Waterous pumping engine, from Bridgeport, a Knox combination chemical and hose wagons, two hand drawn hose reels and on Seagrave ladder truck were in service, one hose company coming from Stratford. Two engine streams and four hydrant streams through 3000 feet of hose and 7/8 inch to 1 1/4 inch nozzles. Three 4-inch double hydrants were available and there was sufficient water. The pictures herewith of the building before and after the fire, are reproduced by courtesy of Mr. L. F. Stowe of Milford. The loss was estimated at $45,000. The building contained all the records of the town, dating back something like 275 years, which were in a vault and which were found intact after the fire.

The municipal building and town hall at Milford, Conn., was recently destroyed by fire which started from an unknown cause at the centre of the second floor and burned about three hours. The building, a two and one-half story structure of wood with lath and plaster partition walls, was erected seventy-five years ago and was 100 feet deep, by about 175 feet wide. The fire was first seen at 12.35 A. M., by several people and an alarm was sent by telephone. When the first apparatus arrived the entire centre of the building was blazing and flames were bursting from the tower and the roof was ready to fall in. A Waterous pumping engine, from Bridgeport, a Knox combination chemical and hose wagons, two hand drawn hose reels and on Seagrave ladder truck were in service, one hose company coming from Stratford. Two engine streams and four hydrant streams through 3000 feet of hose and 7/8 inch to 1 1/4 inch nozzles. Three 4-inch double hydrants were available and there was sufficient water. The pictures herewith of the building before and after the fire, are reproduced by courtesy of Mr. L. F. Stowe of Milford. The loss was estimated at $45,000. The building contained all the records of the town, dating back something like 275 years, which were in a vault and which were found intact after the fire.