On This Date in Minnesota History: February 16

February 16, 1921 – Fire, believed to have originated from the Episcopal Building Hall at 11:30 this evening, destroyed nearly a block of buildings in Tenstrike, Minn.  By 2 the next morning the fire had completed its damage with the destruction of the hall, a hotel, store, machine and warehouse. The buildings, with the exception of the hall, were owned by Henry Stechman, and the loss to him was estimated at between $25,000 and $30,000, partially covered by insurance.

The hall, the only public meeting place in the village, was also a total loss of about $500, the furniture and fixtures comprising most of this. No insurance was carried.

It is believed that the fire was started when a stove in the hall exploded. Last evening, a number of persons were practicing a play there and when ready to leave for home, closed the stove off tight. A strong wind made all efforts to save the buildings futile.

The Bemidji Daily Pioneer; “Midnight Fire Causes Big Loss at Tenstrike. Strong Wind Fans Flames and nearly a Block is Burned to the Ground.”; Feb. 17, 1921; p. 1.

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