December 5, 1974. FD dispatched at 0215 hours for a fire at the Gold Coast Too at Lake Avenue and 25A. The building was on an island directly in front of the St. James FD Main house on 25A.
Fd arrives to find an active fire on the 2nd floor and a partial roof collapse. Chief Robert Ziegler was the OIC. St. James responds with 4 engines, a lader and a heavy rescue an ambulance and 100 firefighters. Nesconset FD sent units to cover for St. James.
Multiple handlines were deployed and a master streams operated from the aerial. Temps were in the low 30s creating a freezing condition.
The fire was placed under control within 90 minutes and operated on scene until approximately 0600 hours.
Chief Ziegler stated that the fire was suspicious.
This building had been designated as a National Historic Landmark in that it dated back to the early 19th century. It seems that it originally served as an inn for the local populace who were employed in the logging business. Since then it has been an eatery and meeting place until it was converted to a discoteheque.
Article from fire News or another fire paper dated 12/18/1974
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