Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 64, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1898 — DAMAGE BY DUST. [ARTICLE]

DAMAGE BY DUST.

Explosion Causes Destruction of a Biff Grain Elevator at Charlestown, Muss.—Loss, SOOO,OOO. Boston, April 18. —The roof of the grain elevator at Hoosac Tunnel docks, Charlestown, was blown completely ofl by a dust explosion at four o’clock Sunday morning, and the fire that followed not only destroyed the remaining portion of the immense structure but consumed nearly the entire contents, ovei 400,000 bushels of grain, mostly wheat. The loss is estimated by fire underwriters at nearly $600,000; well covered by insurance. The grain was valued al about $400,000. The loss on the structure is $150,000, and the damage to the pier and adjoining property is about $50,000. Of the 400,000 bushels of grain in the elevator the elevator officials .stated that over half of it was wheat awaiting shipment to Europe, and owned by J. V. Leiter, of Chicago. The remainder consisted of oats, corn and other cereals, the property of various parties in the west.