Industrial Building at Biddle University Gutted by Fire, Dec. 31, 1921

Biddle Loss by Fire Is $100,000. . . Dr. McCrory, President, Will Await Advice as to Plans for Rebuilding

Only four jagged, smoke blackened walls were left as a grim reminder of the fire which swept the industrial building of Biddle University early Saturday. The structure, standing somewhat apart from the other buildings on the college campus, was completely gutted. Valuable equipment was reduced to ashes and rendered useless. A property loss of $100,000 was entailed.

Starting at 2 a.m. from causes as yet undetermined, the flames, aided by a high wind, quickly spread and for a time the whole of Biddleville was believed menaced.

The central fire department responded to a general alarm, but was unable to prevent the destruction of the building. However, prompt work of the fire-department forces were instrumental in saving several private dwellings in the immediate rear of the burning building.

It was the second disastrous fire Biddle has experienced within a year. An early morning blaze destroyed Logan Hall early in the Spring.

The origin of the fire is puzzling college authorities and fire chiefs. There had been no heat in the building since 2 p.m. Friday when the midday meal was served the 100 students spending the holidays in the institution.

When the night watchman first saw the flames, the roof of the building was ablaze. Smoke was pouring from every window and fire was bursting forth from holes in the roof.

In addition to the kitchen, in the basement, and dining room on the first floor, the building contained some of the college’s most valuable equipment, including printing, chairmaking, broom and mattress departments.

In the chemical and physics departments, also located in the burned structure, college authorities siad were equipment and materials of highly inflammable nature.

Persons at the college scout the theory that the flames originated in the kitchen. There had been no fire there, they say, for almost 15 hours and besides the floors are of cement.

Inside the four walls debris is piled high. Canned goods, pieces of printing presses, table ware and other articles are strewn about, most of them burned almost beyond recognition.

Dr. H.L. McCrory, president of Biddle, said no steps would be taken to replace the building or its contents pending word from representatives of the Northern Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh. The college is controlled by this branch of the Presbyterian church.

Only a few days ago the college board awarded the contract for two new buildings at Biddle. One is to be a dormitory for theology students to cost $50,000 and the other a dining hall to replace Logan Hall, burned last Spring. This will represent an expenditure of approximately $15,000.

From The Charlotte News, Dec. 31, 1921

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Biddle University Is Scene of Fire

By Associated Press

Charlotte, N.C., Dec. 31—A loss of $100,000 was entailed in the destruction by fire today of the industrial building of Biddle University maintained by the Northern Presbyterian Church.

In the building were valuable records, loss of which were counted irreparable.

From The New Bern Sun-Journal, Dec. 31, 1921

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Biddle University did survive these two fires, and it is now Johnson C. Smith University. To read the history of the university, which was founded in 1867, go to Johnson C. Smith University - Our History (jcsu.edu).