On This Date in Minnesota History: December 23

December 23, 1957 – “A fire [on this date] destroyed the old (east) section of Stillwater High School and heavily damaged the newest section on the west. The cause of the fire was not determined. According to Supt. Earl Vitalism ‘The loss is fully covered by insurance. There was $130,000 coverage on the old building and $800,000 on the newer one.’

The fire was discovered at 6 pm and was the most spectacular the city has ever seen and was the largest loss since the Gilbert plant tire of May 16, 1955. ‘By the time the first pumper reached the scene the old building was an inferno and the blaze raged furiously for an hour. A brisk northwest wind fanned the fire and filled the air with blazing embers that floated over the Junior High School and several frame houses along Pine and Third streets.’

In all it is estimated 90 firemen and volunteers fought the fire. A total of 1,142,250 gallons of water was poured on the fire. The fire was visible for many miles, as far away as Willernie and hundreds of people in the surrounding area drove into Stillwater to view the blaze. The school itself was 87 years old. Graduation records from the last five years were lost along with 3,000 books from the library burned.”

http://projects.wchsmn.org/reference/events/high-school-fire-loss-250000/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Welcome_to_Stillwater,_Minnesota_(2005_sign).jpg