Cooper's Tobacco Warehouse in Henderson Burned, Aug. 4, 1919

From The Daily Times, Wilson, N.C., Aug. 4, 1919

Cooper’s Warehouse Burned

Henderson, Aug. 3—Cooper’s Co-operative warehouse, one of the oldest tobacco sales rooms in the city, was destroyed by fire shortly after 1 o’clock this afternoon in a blaze that was both brilliantly spectacular and at the same time of a mysterious origin. The rapidity with which the flames spread was one of the remarkable features of the fire. It had hardly been discovered in an insignificant blaze before it had spread over the entire warehouse, and the hopelessness of any effort to save the structure was immediately apparent.

The loss of the company will be heavy. At 2 o’clock, while the fire was still burning briskly, D.Y. Cooper Jr., manager of the warehouse interest of the Coopers, stated that the insurance would amount to approximately $12,000 or $15,000. When it is estimated that the cost of replacing the building will crowd closely upon $50,000, it may be seen that the damage will be very near $35,000.

As soon at the embers cool, workmen will be put upon the scene to clear away the debris and prepare for starting a new and more modern and up-t0o-date warehouse. This was the positive statement made by Mr. D.Y. Cooper Jr., when asked as to the intentions of the company as to the future.