Rosemary, Jan. 6—Fire of unknown origin destroyed the furniture department of the L.G. Shell Company, incorporated, probably the largest department store in Halifax county, here this afternoon. The entire stock of furniture is a complete loss. The building was damaged considerably, and a large amount of damage was done to merchandise n the clothing and notions department by smoke and water. It is estimated that the damage will amount to between $25,000 and $35,000. The loss is practically covered by insurance.
The U.S. Army Store, located next door, suffered from damage by smoke. Two volunteer fire fighters were put out of the running by injuries. Their names could not be learned. One man suffered a broken arm while running with a line of hose; the other was overcome by heat and fumes.
The blaze broke out in the basement of the furniture department which is used for a store room shortly after 12 o’clock. For three hours or more it raged despite thousands of gallons of water hurled upon it from seven lines of hose connected to high power (lines obscured) . . . . that the fire would spread to adjoining buildings and would lay low the entire business district on that side of the street.
The volunteer firemen under the leadership of more experienced men held steadily to their places under severe difficulties from heat and fumes and confined the blaze to the interior of the one building. Before any visible sign of headway was noticed, the basement became flooded with water, the flooring finally gave way and dumped its heavy load of furniture into the huge pool. When this occurred, it was seen that the most of the danger was past, as practically all the burning mass of furniture was submerged. All business houses here were deserted, many discontinuing business for the afternoon.
From page 2 of the Raleigh News & Observer, Sunday, Jan. 7, 1923
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