Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014, All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== USGenNet Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Telegraph Nashua, N.H. Wednesday, December 28, 1932 3 WOMEN DIE IN FIRE AT POOR FARM -------------------- STANWOOD, Mich., Dec. 28 (AP) - Trapped on the second floor, three women inmates of the Mecosta County Poor Farm were burned to death early today when fire of undetermined ori- gin destroyed the institution. Although the bodies had not been positively identified, they were be- lieved to be LELA WILSON, ROSETTA SMITH, and EMMA WALDON, all aged in- mates of the poor farm. They were asleep when the blaze started. Other inmates made their way to safety. Fire departments from Stanwood and Big Rapids were unable to bring the blaze under control and the build- ing was reduced to ruins. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ludington (Michigan) Daily News Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1932 THREE WOMEN LOST IN FIRE AT MECOSTA COUNTY FARM TODAY ------------------ 42 Inmates Escape with Minor Cuts When Flames Sweep Brick Structure ---------------------- STANWOOD, Mich., Dec. 28 - (AP) Three inmates of the Mecosta county poor farm were burned to death early today in a fire which destroyed the institution. The bodies of three persons, identified tentatively as those of LELA WILSON, ROSETTA SMITH and EMMA WALDON, were taken from the ruins several hours later. They had been trapped on the second floor as they slept. Cause of the blaze was undeter- mined. An inmate was awakened by the smell of smoke at 1 a.m., and the alarm was sounded. The flames swept through the three story brick structure rapidly. The combined efforts of the Stan- wood and Big Rapids fire departments were powerless to stem the fire, and the building was reduced to ruins. It was several hours before searching parties could make their way into the wreckage to get at the bodies because of the heat. About a dozen of the 45 inmates of the institution suffered minor cuts, bruises and burns in making their es- cape, but none required more than first aid attention. They were removed to the hospital at Big Rapids for shelter. The fire started in the boiler room of the institution from some undeter- mined cause, and the flames swept through the building, giving the inmates and four caretakers just time to flee. Some of the inmates had to be carried but there was no time to reach the three who perished. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our growing collection of FREE online information by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ ===========================================================================