85 years ago
Wednesday, June 29, 1938
FIERCE BLAZE RAZES HALF DOZEN BUILDINGS at COVEY HILL:
On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 22nd, a disastrous fire occurred at Covey Hill Corners which destroyed Mr. L. A. Waddell’s general store and dwelling and outbuildings, and three buildings on the adjacent property of Mrs. Constance Weary.
About two o’clock, Doris Louden noticed smoke issuing under the eaves of Mr. Waddell’s back store and warned Mr. Harry Steele, his clerk, Mr. and Mrs. Waddell being absent in Hemmingford.
Neighbours hurried to save the store goods and the contents of the house downstairs, but it was impossible to save clothing or bedroom furniture, and many household and store supplies, also firewood, were burned. Soon the flames reached the other buildings. The Hemmingford fire-pump arrived in time to save Mr. E. R. Louden’s dwelling after a stiff fight, all the contents having been moved into his shop.
The origin of the fire, which started in the upstairs part of the back store, could not be determined.
Fortunately, the properties were insured. Considerable local history is connected with some of the buildings burnt. The store was built about 70 years ago by Mr. Terrance Brisbane’s grandfather, the late Alexander Brisbane. The main building belonging to Mrs. Weary was once a butter factory and a second building had been a blacksmith’s shop.
