Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1916 — E. VANARSDEL BUILDINGS BURN [ARTICLE]

E. VANARSDEL BUILDINGS BURN

Former Rensselaer Business Mar. Suffers Big Fire Loss Near Valparaiso. Three large barns and some of their contents, a silo and corn cribs on the farm five miles northwest »■’ this city, recently bought by Ed Van Arsdel, burned to the ground today, and the origin of the fire Is unknown. The loss, estimated by Mr. Van Ars del at $2,500, is partially covered l.y insurance. Live stock that was in ul; barns was rescued, and the house occupied by Joe Wildrick and family was saved after a hard fight by a t’g crowd of volunteer fire fighters. Russel Van Arsdel ran toward the structure which was burning furiou? ly before he reached it. He saved the stock from this, and then with others, present, led horses, from the' othor barns which were directly in the path of the wind. Neighbors wer: called by telephone alarm, and » crowd was soon present. The -activ’ty of a big bucket brigade saved the house, which was on fire two or three times. The barn that took fi t first was being filled with hay. No srfiokers were around the building, and how the blaze originated will always be a mystery. Mr. Van Arsdel came here from Rensselaer and took possession of the farm, and since then has been improving the buildings. He llvx in this city. He and his son were pointed there today just before th .< loss.—Wednesday’s Valparaiso VI dette.