1902 - Unity Collar and Cuff Co. Fire

Bennington, Vt. March 9. - The most disastrous fire in the history of North Bennington broke out in the cutting room of the Unity Collar and Cuff Co., at 3 o'clock this morning completely destroying the establishment and contents except the engine and boiler room and a small storehouse. The building was a three-story frame structure with basement, about 150 by 45 feet.

The loss is estimated at $60,000; insurance, $40,000. About $20,000 worth of goods manufactured or in the process of manufacture were destroyed. The company has frequently had 300 employes on its payroll, though less than half of that number were employed in the mill, the other doing piece work at their homes. Many families in Bennington, North Bennington and White Creek obtained a living in that way. The origin of the fire is unknown.

The company was organized six years ago and had been very successful. The principal stockholders are Milo C. Huling and his son Floyd. The mill will probably be rebuilt.