ATLANTIC CANNNG FIRE AT REHOBOTH 1917

REHOBOTH BEACH HISTORY

ATLANTIC CANNING COMPANY DESTROYED BY FIRE

September 20, 1917:

The large cannery at the edge of town has been burned on the third attempt by supposed

activities of German agents. The deputy Attorney General, D. J. Layton, is investigating

the fire.

` After two previous attempts to burn it down the large cannery pf the Atlantic Canning Company at the edge of town was destroyed by fire of incendiary origin early the

morning of Thursday, September 20, 1917.

Opinion is general that the cannery, the largest in the state, was destroyed by firebugs,

supposed to be German agents. An immense quantity of canned tomatoes was wiped out,

representing most of the seasons pack.

Deputy Attorney General D. J. Layton came here this morning to take charge of an

investigation. The loss is at least $200,000, partly covered by insurance. 18% of the

companies pack was reserved by the federal government as rations for the Army and Navy.

Governor John Gillis Townsend Jr., and Colonel Edmund Mitchell of Wilmington and

Rehoboth, are the owners of the Atlantic Canning Company.

Because evidence of two previous attempts to set fire to the cannery, it is believed the

destruction this morning marked success of incendiaries effort, since relations between management and employee are most pleasant. The company even supported a company baseball team during the season.

The first attempt to burn the cannery happened a month ago when a prowler was discovered

trying to start a fire in the building facing the canal and ten days ago a fire was discovered

and quickly extinguished without damage. This fire appeared to have be purposely kindled.

Additional watchmen had been hired as the the packing season had just ended and the plant

was to close down for the season, the foreigners, who come annually, paid off and ready to leave today for Baltimore where they live.

The watchman on duty this morning at 4 am discovered flames in the building along the Assawomon Canal and had made headway before he was able to sound an alarm. When the

Rehoboth firemen arrived it was evident the wooden buildings would be destroyed. Rehoboth

fire company was assisted by Lewes but were powerless to stop the flames or save anything.

Governor Townsend drove from Selbyville in his auto, arriving at 5 am.

The buildings were valued at $50,000 , the products destroyed at $150,000 of which there

was some insurance coverage. Several rail box cars on a siding at the plant were destroyed along with their canned goods cargo’s.

Earlier, about a month ago, the Rehoboth Canning Company , near by, was destroyed by fire .

Soloman Reis, Atlantic Canning plant manager said the factory will be rebuilt before the

next season comes about.

Tuesday night last, someone broke into the Lewes Packing Company plant and disabled it's largest and most important machinery.

ABSTRACT: WILMINGTON EVENING NEWS, SEPTEMBER 20, 1917