Fire, Corydon, Indiana, October 1948, spectators observe damage

Description:	Spectators stand along North Capitol Avenue in downtown Corydon, Indiana to observe the damage to Websters and Donhaues restaurants in October 1948. In addition to the two restaurants, the fire, one of the most extensive in the town’s history, also consumed the offices of Sunshine Hatchery on East Walnut Street. The fire began around 1:45 a.m. and originated from a burning pile of refuse behind the restaurants, which faced Capitol Avenue. Passersby noticed the smoke and flames and alerted the Donahue and Webster families, which lived on the second floor above their businesses. The blaze spread rapidly after a fuel oil tank burst. Numerous fire crews from throughout Harrison County and New Albany, Indiana arrived to fight the flames. Although the three businesses were a total loss, firefighters managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby residences and businesses in downtown Corydon. Owners of Sunshine Hatcheries, Mr. and Mrs. Joe McClaren, elected not to rebuild at this location, as did the Websters. The Donahue family, however, erected a new building on the corner and reestablished their restaurant business.
Origin:	1948-10-16
Source:	http://cdm17251.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p17251coll30/id/28
Collection:	Fires and Floods
Rights:	http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/CNE/1.0/
Copyright:	This image may be printed or downloaded by individuals, schools or libraries for study, research or classroom teaching without permission. For other uses contact: genealogy@hcpl.lib.in.us
Geography:	Corydon, Harrison County, Indiana
Subjects:	fires commercial buildings volunteer fire departments spectators

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