Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Muskegon Chronicle January 30, 1941 THREE BLOCKS OF VILLAGE THREATENED Three blocks of this village of 500 were menaced by a fire which today de- stroyed two buildings, both landmarks, at a loss of approximately $6,000. The buildings burned were the Gillett Motor Sales and Garage, in which were destroyed 12 automobiles. Also the re- cently remodeled Masonic Building. Both were frame. The Mason Hall, formerly known as the Rowland Building, one of Hesperia's old- est buildings, for many years housed the O. A. Rowland store, prior to its purchase two years ago by the Masonic Lodge from Dr. A. C. Tompsett. It had accommated the local library at one time. The garage building, about 55 years old, was in its early days, known as the Col- umbian Hall, where many "elders of today learned to roller skate." Dances were held there. It served as a community cen- ter and Hesperia's famous annual Big Meet- ing originated there. Fire started in the garage and was dis- covered at 6:10 by Delano Playter and his son William, as they came out of their home across the stree. Hesperia volunteer fire department, aided a short time later by Fremont, was unable to prevent the fire's spread to the Masonic building twenty feet from the garage. Ray Gillett who had operated an automo- bile sales department in the garage build- ing for the past 24 years and loss was only partially covered by insurance; eleven used cars and one new one were destroyed. Other equipment and tools owned by Hermie McGill, an employee of Gillett, were lost. Fire fighters concentrated their efforts on saving other nearby buildings. Guy Knowles' Feed Store, homes of Dr. Arthur C. Tompsett, Rex C. Maze, and William Cryderman, and an inn operated by M. C. Cook." =========================================================================== 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/ ===========================================================================