Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1908-04-23

The village Of Rockingham, one OF the
oldest in the state and once the center OF
the town, was destroyed by hre last week
Tuesday A dozen or more buildings
we're DESTROYED In less than three hours,
Including the only hotel, the general
store and postofF3ce, causing less OF be-
tween s25. 900 and $4,000, with insur-
ance of little more than half. That any
of the buildings will be rebuilt h improb-
Able. rs already the families burned out
are moving what few things they were
able to save to other localities, ard there
will be nothing to induce rebuilding.
The postofYice will probably be discon-
tinued as the section on all sices IL COW
cred by rural free delivery from Bellows
Falls. The cause of the IRE IL unknown.
Rockingham Is four miles north OF
Bellows Falls, and of late years has con-
sisted of only about twenty buildings "A
half century or more ago it was the cen
ter of activity in the town and was
fiourishing village, but when the town
Offices and business were moved TO Bel
lows Falls. Rockingham settled down in
TO a little country town. A general
store. which has been run by the Diyoll
family for years, supplied the wants OF
the inha bitants, but beyond this there
was little business. Nothing remains ex-
cept a dozen or so buildings and the lam
Gus old church which, although in the
path of he flames, was saved By hard
work That there were no fatalities was
remarkable. as the flames, famed by q
gale. destroyed everything in their path
with lightning rspidity.
The first indication of any trouble came
early ia the morning from the barking OF
dogs. John Harris, who lived in one OF
the houses destroyed, was awakened by
his dog TO find his room full Of smoke
He ran out expecting TO see his own
place ablaze, but found clouds of smoke
pouring ont from the windows of tie
ore two blocks above. He ran down
the street, crying the alarm and arous-
ing all the inhabitants.
That the whole town was doomed was
a. once evident. There was nothing 10
stop the flames, the few hand chemi-
cal extinguishers being nothing against
the onrush of the fire. The hotel and
nall occupied by the grange adjoined the
store, and from these buildings a consic-
cradle lot of furniture was saved, men,
women and children entering the burn
ing buildings until driven out, snsfching
up everything possible, while burning
timbers fell around them.
The old church, famous throughout
New England and one of the landmarks
of the state, was saved with difficulty.
II is on an elevation. The house beside
il was destroyed and the grass in the
church yard was on fire many times.
Two and one-half hours after the fire
was discovered, the flames were checked,
Tire wind subsidized and the few houses on
the opposite side of the road were saved.
There were many thrilling incidents 4
tank containing $50 gallons of kerosent
in the store exploded, sending fame.
many feet into the air and the burning
oil flying in all directions. The report
was heard a long distance. Considerable
livestock was lost by different parties and
several large piles OF lumber were de
sircyed. The grange succeeded in saving
the piano and the charter, but all else ws'
lost.
The total losses will be about az, 900
with insurance Of about els, 000-