On This Date in Minnesota History: January 8

January 8, 1922 – The village of McGrath in Aitkin County sustained its worst fire this evening when four buildings were destroyed at an estimated loss of $26,000 or more, the loss being about half covered by insurance. A southwest wind was blowing that probably saved the balance of the business part of town.

The fire started about 8 p.m. in the McGrath Mercantile Company, a frame 50 by 130, from unknown causes and rapidly gained headway. Volunteer fire fighters organized a bucket brigade but were unable to save the adjoining two-story frame hotel owned by Peter Anderson, a barber shop in a one-story frame building owned by Charles Isley and occupied by a family. Hard work saved the building of the State Bank, although the sheeting on one side was badly scorched. No one was injured.

The heaviest loss, probably $15,000, was sustained by the mercantile company. The hotel loss may amount to $4,000 or $5,000.

Aiken Independent Age; “McGrath Village Hit By Big Fire”; Jan. 14, 1922, p. 1.

http://townmapsusa.com/images/maps/map_of_mcgrath_mn.jpg

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