1900 - BOX FACTORY AT SOUTH ATHOL BURNED.

H. H. Rice’s box factory at South Athol was destroyed by fire at 1 o’clock yesterday morning. The fire caught near the engine-room from an unknown cause. It was first observed by a passer-by who immediately called assistance; but the distance from a water supply and the rapid spread of the fire rendered it almost useless. Only the books in the office at the other end of the shop from which the fire caught were saved. The buildings and contents were valued at about $7000, and insured for about $6000. The factory was for the manufacture of wooden shoe boxes and employed 20 hands. It is probable that Mr. Rice will find temporary quarters at Athol, but the hope is expressed that he will rebuild at South Athol, as the shop is the only industry in that village.