More Barn news

Here's an article from 1876. Thanks again to the Mt. Hope Historical Society and Nancie Craig who sent me this document a few years ago.
Lee Runnalls

The Orange County Press
November 1876

A Fire in Otisville,
[Correspondence of the Press]

Thanksgiving day, a little after one o’clock Charles W. Loomis’ barn was discovered to be on fire. He succeeded in removing his three horses and some of his farming tools. His hay, a two-horse wagon, horse rake, land roller, a quantity of potatoes and turnips were burned. Origin of the fire unknown. Insured for $500 on the building and $300 on the contents. About fifty feet from the barn stands the Presbyterian Church, which by the efforts of the people and the favorable direction of the wind, was saved. Considerable damage was done to the inside of the church by taking our stoves, carpets, etc. If the church had burned, nothing could have saved the main part of the village, from Northrop’s corner to Galen Otis’ house. Elder Uptegrove’s house being in the direct line of the fire, had the burning shingles on the roof several times, but water was promptly used, and no damage was done. Fire was also kindled between Wm. H. Hill’s blacksmith shop and the M. E. Church, but was discovered in time to prevent any damage.

It is very unfortunate for Mr. Loomis, and one of the luckiest escapes for Otisville possible.

Fascinating!