EMHOUSE SCHOOL DESTROYED BY MIDNIGHT FIRE

LARGE BUILDING WRECKED BY FIRE NEAR MIDNIGHT

ASSISTANCE FROM CORSICANA AND ENNIS CAME TOO LATE SAVE BUILDING

EMHOUSE, Feb 1. (Spl.)—Fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed the Emhouse Central High school about midnight Thursday night. The loss is estimated at $25,000 with about $15,000 insurance.

The fire was discovered in a northeast upstairs room by a nightwatchman at a gin nearby and help was called. Water in the building had been cut off to prevent freezing and by the time this was turned on and bucket brigade formed the fire had gained too much headway to be stopped.

Calls were sent to Corsicana and Ennis for fire apparatus and both towns sent trucks but they arrived too late to extinguish the flames. Dwellings nearby caught fire but were extinguished before much damage was done.

The building, a two story and basement, was brick and one of the most modern school buildings in the county. It was built several years ago by a bond issue of $20, 000 and additional equipment has been added from time to time. Over $2,000 was spent last year for equipment in order to fully comply with the requirements for state aid.

Only the library books recently purchased were saved.

Emhouse and Black Hills schools consolidated last year and the building was used as the central high school for the consolidated districts.

Trustees of the school state Tuesday morning that plans for resumption of school had not been made.

William Babb, Corsicana fireman was burned about the left eye by falling coal.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, February 1, 1929

• Submitted by Diane Richards