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Pocono News Section
Fire Damages American Legion Post in Wyoming Co.
Fire Damages American Legion Post in Wyoming Co. - Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 6:15PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday, Sep 30, 2009 @ 06:15pm EDT
BRAINTRIM TWP., WYOMING COUNTY -- One of the oldest buildings in Wyoming County is in ruins. Part of the Black Walnut American Legion Post was destroyed by fire Wednesday afternoon.
American Legion members vow to move on after the devastating blaze. The fire broke out late in the morning at their home on Route 6. The legion post is Black Walnut, which is right between Laceyville and Meshoppen.
Smoke and flames poured from the Black Walnut American Legion Post Wednesday. What was once a meeting place for friends is now in ruins.
Sandy Sharer works in the legion's bar. ŇItŐs devastating. I started here 14 years ago, in that building and it was like a family. It was like home," she said.
Most recently the building that burned was mainly used for storage. Flags, documents and hospital equipment all went up in flames.
American Legion Commander Larry Overfield said, ItŐs heartbreaking, you know? We put a lot of hard work in -- to get to where we got -- and then this."
As of right now, fire investigators think the blaze began in the basement. They do not think that itŐs suspicious.
Many legion members came to the fire scene when they heard about the fire. They couldn't believe their eyes. Suzi Brewer said, ŇI was in Meshoppen and I heard it on the scanner and they said the Legion -- and I was like -- wow."
Everyone at the fire scene seemed to have a memory about being inside the building. Richard eberlin remembers being a young kid and attending legion meetings. ŇI was their bugler, so I remember a lot of times in there," he said.
The fire could have been worse. It did not spread to the legion's social hall, where a majority of activities now take place.
That's of little solace to those who've lost a piece of history. Margaret Furman said, ŇThere's a lot of history in that house and itŐs all gone. ItŐs all gone. ItŐs a shame. It was beautiful."
Legion members say their building stood for more than 100 years before today's fire. Crews from three counties had to truck water to the scene and say the windy conditions helped fuel the flames. | | |
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