A Look Back

Rural residence lost to a fire

by Barry Bauer

H. R. Pontius was the occupant of this farm home in Bengal Township until it was destroyed by fire October 17, 1936. He was correct in his conclusion that a fire extinguisher or even a garden hose would have checked the flames and saved the property. Unfortunately neither one was available; and by the time help arrived from St. Johns, the flames were sweeping the interior and had burnt through one wall, as shown here.

The house was a total loss.