Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA
1857 - FIRE AT WILBRAHAM

The newly erected dormitory of Wesleyan Academy, at Wilbraham, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday evening. It was nearly completed, and was to have been finally taken possession of to-day, (Wednesday.) It was 284 feet in length by 44 feet in width, with a wing running back 140 feet. It cost $70,000, and was insured for $20,000 at one of the Springfield offices. The fire was discovered at about 7½ o'clock, and proceeded from a large pile of shavings stored beneath the main tower, and is supposed to have been the result of spontaneous combustion.

The Pittsfield Sun
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
October 1, 1857

Visit Wilbraham, Massachusetts, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.