Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 August 1909 — BARCUS COMPANY BORNEO OUT [ARTICLE]

BARCUS COMPANY BORNEO OUT

Former Rensselaer Firm Loses Eveverythlng By Fire at Wabash. Wabash, Ind., Aug. 9.—Starting from an unknown source, fire tonight destroyed the Barcus & Co. maiufacturing plant here, entailing a loss estimated at $85,000, covered by $30,000 insurance. The flames started in the storage plant, where several thousand seats were stored for shipment and sale. From here the flames rapidly spread to other sections and soon the fire was beyond control. Owing to the large stock of oils and varnish in the building the fire was a dangerous one to fight, and the local department could do little more than keep the flames from surrounding buildings, several of which were in danger. Several men were slightly injured during the fire. Mayor Murphy assisted Fire Chief Stephens in directing the fighting from the roof of a building, although he did so at the risk of his life. The Barcus plant was purchased from the American Seating Company after the trust abandoned its manufactory in Wabash. The valuation was then $85,000, but the sale was made at a lower figure as the result of the activity of the Wabash Commercial Club. The Barcus Company is the largest independent manufactory of school seats in this section of the county and was employing 100 men at the time of the fire, this being smaller than the usual number.