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Smithtown FD-Fire at Gunderson’s Store

September 30, 1926 A prominent Republican stopped the Editor this morning at the fire in Gunderson’s store, which completely gutted the building. I hope you wont forget to give credit to Frank Brush for had he not thought and fought for the cisterns in the Town Hall property, we never could have kept the fire within bounds and to one building. The water supply and the vigorous young men saved the neighborhood.

It was truly a terrible fire starting at about one AM in what was presumed to be an empty building. The next building, George Giocona’s was saved by prompt application of water. The roof was red hot and ready to go as was the awning which actually took fire, but a quick and thorough application of water saved it, so your shoes and his are safe. A lot of people must have been up all night to judge by the crowd, but few wore holiday garments. Fire alarm was given 20 min. of two. Fire presumably was of unknown origin. Besides the total loss to the owner of the building, Thomas Roulston’s sustained the loss of one plate glass window and a plate glass door, which was cracked with the intense heat.

Brivics building was not so much indanger, but firemen probably saved it with chemicals.
James Strang was pretty severely blistered from intense heat. Edward Mosely also was blistered upon his arms. Conn’s Ice Plant pumped a sufficient supply of water and most efficiently.
Marian Hesse did some good work in keeping the Larribee well supplied with water.
The Larribee was the main factor in extinguishing a fire that would have spread to a portentious extent.
Rocco Luisi with his quick headwork was instrumental in turning in the alarm. Hesse and Giacona also gave the alarm.
Melvin Brush operated the Larribee with great skill, giving the men water when and how they wanted it.

Referenced in the Smithtown FD 100th Anniversary book and I have the News article

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