MILTON
FEED MILL FIRE
AUGUST
4 1943
Fire
of an undetermined origin early this morning destroyed the four story
Diamond State Roller Mill with an estimated loss of $125,000 and
three injured firemen, one seriously.
Vonel
Banning suffered sever burns of the arms and body , less seriously
hurt were Victor Spencer, the fire chief, and fireman Sam Hearn.
The
feed mill is operated by Henry C and William B. Wagamon.
Elmer
Hastings, farmer living near the mill, discovered the fire at 4 am,
but by the time the fireman could get there the flames were unable
to be checked, however, were able to save three other structures
containing feed and poultry equipment. The mill contained modern
machinery to manufacture floor, all types of dairy, hog and poultry
feed and a large inventory in storage. . Also lost were 2000 bushels
of wheat, 1000 pounds of corn, eight tons of dried milk. It served a
wide area of farms.
Milton
firemen were assisted by Ellendale, Lewes, Georgetown and Milford.
Heat of the burning building was so intense firemen could not get
within 50 yards with water hose. Sparks flew about the town and
firemen stood by to prevent other fires from starting.
The
original mill was built in 1901 by Daniel Wagaman and Curtis Wagamon
, with additions made in 1926 and 1937 and was one of the largest and
oldest feed mills in the state.
Wilmington Morning News, August 5 1943
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