Moline Elevator and Mill Burned Down

[genealogynut]

Howard Courant
December 15, 1927

Early Sunday Morning Fire Destroys A Valuable Property

Fire which originated in the cream station in the Mill and Elevator at Moline early Sunday morning, resulted in the total destruction of that property with practically all the contents.

It is not known how the fire originated, but the building, a large frame structure, built in U shape, very rapidly succumbed to the flames.  A large quantity of grain and baled hay was burned, and considerable other supplies, poultry, etc.

Word was phoned to Howard and the siren on the water tower in this city shrieked out the alarm and roused the whole town.

The Howard responded by sending down the engine and hose and quite a large delegation from our fire department, in addition to many auto loads of men who pitched in and did all they could to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent structures.  The succeeded in their efforts, and nothing except the mill, elevator and attached shed were burned.

We have heard no estimate placed on the extent of the loss, but it must have been quite heavy, and only $5,000 insurance was carried.

The plant was owned by a corporation made up largely of farmers, and a dozen or twenty men were interested in it.

The Howard, contingent, made the ten mile run and was at work in only a little over half an hour after the siren was sounded.