The Daily Alaska empire., 1945-11-16
MISSION SCHOOL AT SKAGWAY x
 FLAME . GUTTED
Sixty five Children Left Homeless Appeal for
 Clothes Made Here

Notice was received here this morning that the Plus X Catholic Mission School at Skagway has been completely gutted by fire.
 No casualties were reported, but 65 children between the ages of six and Is years were left without shelter or clothing as the coldest winds of winter howled down through the mountain passes from the sub-zero Interior plains.
 Temporary quarters and food is being given the children at the Alaska Native Service sanitorium on the outskirts of the city. Gov
 Ernest Gruening disclosed here today that he has launched efforts to secure abandoned Army post headquarters buildings at Skagway as more permanent quarters. He also has requested the Army, through the surplus properties agency Of the Interior Department, for blankets and such other surplus stores as might be useful to the aid of the children
 The Army has been requested to fly the articles from Anchorage to Skagway because of the present complete lack of surface transpor- tation, as well as for speed.
 Juneau Clothing Needed
 Juneau folk are asked to probe their closets for any children's garments, which are most sorely needed because all personal effects and equipment of the mission were lost in the flames.
 The collection center in Juneau is at the Parish School. from where all items received will be put aboard the Canad ian Pacific Steamer Princess S Norah, sailing for Skagway tonight.
 All articles must reach the Parish School before sailing time. To fa- cilitate speedy collection. the Royal Blue Cab Company has announced that it will pick up, without charge and carry to the school, any bundles of donated articles. Bundles should be placed at front doors. or in other easily accessible spots. and the taxi firm notified. The tele- phone number is IA. All relief of- ficials here today stressed the urgent need for warm clothing fc- he children
 Norah To Carry Supplies
 CPR Agent Harry Godson has stated that the Princess Norah will carry such clothing and blankets as nay be contributed, free of charge, to Skagway Since the shipments will be for charitable purposes. the U. s. Customs Office here has cleared the donations Plenty of school-age garments are the big need.
 Information regarding the Skag- way catastrophe was received here this morning by Don O. Foster, General Superintendent of the AL aska Native Service, advising that the entire interior of the building is fire-swept, with nothing saved.
 The Mission School. more gen. orally known as Father Gallant's Mission" because it has long been the special project of the Rev. Edgar Gallant and operated under his direct supervision, was re- garded as Skagway's finest struc- ture. Built about 10 years ago, it was comparatively new. The two- story structure, with brick exterior, was capable of housing up to nearly 100 children, along with the Catholic Sisters who cared for their wants and were mentors of the tykes entrusted to their care. It is reported that 10 Of the sisters were attached to the school at the time of the fire. Overall dimensions of tfn destroyed building are listed as approximately 175 feet by 75 feet. It was extremely we'll fur nished.
 These familiar with the city of Skagway hazard that scarcity of water. due to extreme cold weather and lack of nearby hydrants, may have contributed to the complete ness of the disaster