Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 311, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 December 1913 — DEMOTTE CREAMERY DESTROYED BY FIRE [ARTICLE]

DEMOTTE CREAMERY DESTROYED BY FIRE

Building and Machinery and Ice Plant All Burned—lmportant Industry in Keener.

The cream&ry north of DeMotte was totally destroyed by fire this Wednesday morning, the building, machinery and the ice plant all being burned. The origin of the fire is not known, but it is thought to have started in the engine room. Edward Beamon, the manager, resides near {he creamery and whan he discovered the lire it was beyond rescuing. The DeMotte creamery has been an important industry in northern Jasper county and has always done a first-class business. It was organized as a stock company and part of the stock was still in the hands of some of the originerl shareholders. Several years ago D. W. Waymire purchased a controling interest in the business and conducted it for some time and then disposed of it to-Edward who (was the butter maker for Mr. Waymire, and who has since conducted it.. Mr. Waymire still had some interest in the way of a mortgage. The plant was built several years ago at a cost of $4,100. Since that time considerable- machinery had been added and other improve ment® made. There was $2,800 insurance on the creamery and machinery and the ice house and contents. The insurance was" carried in Ray D. Thompson’s agency and Mr. Thompson made a trip there this afternoon. It is understood that there is considerable doubt as to whether the creamery will be rebuilt by Mr. Beaman, who was probably the greatest loser by the fire. There is a great deal of dairying in Keener township and it is quite important that a creamery be operated at or near DeMotte.