The Lost History of the Leesburg Volunteers: Significant Incidents 1803

Significant Incidents in Leesburg and Around the County

November 1803 - The earliest significant fire in Loudoun County probably occurred in November 1803 in the settlement of Leesburgh. There is no documentation but it is assumed that a large fire threatened the town because on November 15, 1803, the Fire Company of Leesburgh was incorporated.

1818, Earliest Documented Fire

The earliest documented fire in Loudoun County occurred in Leesburg in 1818. It was reported in the Genius of Liberty newspaper; printed in Leesburg, that the roof of the newspaper office had caught fire. The firemen and citizens extinguished it with little damage.

1819, First Firefighting Law

The Town of Leesburg had already enacted several fire prevention laws in 1813 but it was after a large destructive house fire that the Town Council enacted the first law to regarding the duties of citizens to aid in fire extinguishment. Named the “Act for the Better Government of the Citizens on Occasions of Fire and Other Purposes,” it mandated each home and business in the Town of Leesburg to have fire buckets and that it was the duty of each male citizen to assist the fire company at fires.

1819, Known First Arson

The first reported arson fire in Loudoun County was in 1819, when Shreve’s Mill burned. The fire was assumed to be arson as the mill was closed for several days prior. It was not uncommon for thieves to use arson to cover thefts from buildings during this time.

1828, First Fire with Two Engine CompaniesThe first structure fire to have more than one fire company respond occurred in 1828, when the Star and Friendship Fire Companies of Leesburg, raced to the scene of a house fire in town. The Star Fire Company won.

1829, First Reported Firefighting InjuryThe first reported injury from fighting a fire was in 1829, at a house fire one night in Leesburg. A citizen was sweeping embers from the roof of an adjoining house when he slipped and fell two stories to the ground. He was seriously injured but expected to recover.

1881, Train Fire

The only known fire on a moving train in Loudoun County occurred in 1881, when a rail car loaded with hay was discovered on fire. The train had just passed Leesburg, backed up, and with the assistance of the fire engine and water tank, the fire was extinguished.

April 1885, Town of Middleburg Fire

The Town of Middleburg suffered a massive fire in which several houses and a store were destroyed and several more homes and businesses were heavily damaged. At the time, there was no fire company so the only way for the citizens to extinguish the fire was to form a bucket brigade.

1897, Jenkins Mill Fire

The first Jenkins Mill fire threatened the town. It was located where Village Station is today.

1898, Grain Mill Fire, Leesburg

The new flouring mill and grain elevator of Mr. W. S. Jenkins & Company and the freight depot of the Southern Railroad in Leesburg, were totally destroyed by the fire. The heat from the fire was so great that the steel rails of the railroad track were warped into half circles. The loss sustained by the mill company was upwards of $20,000.00 and the Railroad Company lost approximately $2,000.00.

May 1900, Purcellville Fire

A very large fire occurred in Purcellville which resulted in the destruction of much of the downtown business district. The post office, five stores and part of a lumber yard, were all burned.

1903, Standard Oil Fire, Leesburg

The two tanks in the Standard Oil Company tank farm; located along the railroad tracks beside the freight depot in Leesburg, caught fire. One tank contained about 12,000 gallons of heating oil and the other about 7,000 gallons of gasoline. Fortunately, when the gasoline tank exploded, the blast went up instead of out. Otherwise much of the Leesburg Fire Company would have been wiped out.

1907, Waterford Fire

The Town of Waterford lost several buildings in the downtown area in 1907. It was suspected to be arson because several stores had been robbed in the excitement that followed. The residents were assisted by citizens from Leesburg and other communities.

1911, Lumber Yard Fire Leesburg

The Norris & Bro.’s lumber yards in Leesburg was destroyed by a fire that for a time, threatened the town. The lumber and several buildings burned throughout the night and into the next afternoon, causing between $50,000.00 and $80,000.00 in loss.

1912, Grain Mill Fire, Leesburg

Fire again destroyed the grain mill of W. S. Jenkins. Wind spread embers to at least 15 other houses and ignited a fuel tank which soon exploded. The Alexandria Fire Department was telegraphed for assistance but as they were about to send the “Reliance” engine, the blaze was brought under control. The mill was destroyed and several houses suffered damage.

1916, Ice Plant Fire, Leesburg

The Ice Plant in Leesburg used by the Christo Cola Company to bottle its soft drinks, was destroyed by fire.

1919, Middleburg Fire

The Town of Middleburg was again visited by fire when the W. W. Welsh & Co. store and two houses were destroyed. The rest of the town was saved by the strenuous efforts of the citizens. The fire was described as “most spectacular” and could be seen for miles around. This was one of the worst fires in Middleburg’s history with damages totaling about $40,000.00.

1922 and 1923, Two Fires in Purcellville, -

A large fire destroyed the grandstand in Purcellville in 1922 and in 1923, Taylors Mill in Purcellville was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin. It was after this blaze that the Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company was organized.

1925, Leesburg School Fire

The Leesburg High School was destroyed by a fire that led Leesburg into the modern age of firefighting. The Town of Leesburg purchased a Seagrave pumper and the fire company purchased the first ladder truck in the county. This was also the fire mutual aid fire – Purcellville responded to Leesburg with their chemical engine and assisted with this incident.

June 11, 1925, First Fire for the New Engine

About 8:30 O’clock Sunday evening fire broke out in the clothing store of McPherson & Russell on the corner of King and Loudoun Streets, Leesburg, Virginia. The fire is supposed to have originated from an overturned candle and caught first in some hat boxes and spread to the wainscoting and into an adjoining room. As soon as the blaze was detected, Mr. McPherson, a member of the firm, ran into the building and threw water on the flames which with the aid of the fire department, which responded promptly, put the fire out. Some damage was done to the stock by the smoke and water. The stock was covered by insurance.

“Fire Destroys Local Clothing Establishment”, Loudoun Times Mirror, Thursday, 11 June 1925, 1, Thomas Balch Library of Leesburg Virginia

August 22 1925, House Fire, Leesburg

Monday at noon, fire was discovered in the home of Alfred Lan on west Loudoun Street. A threatening blaze was coming out of the chimney which gave evidence of spreading to the inflammable parts of the building. The fire department with the new engine and ladder truck and chemicals was used with instant success to put out the blaze which it was discovered was confined to the flue. Sixteen minutes after the first alarm was given the fire had been extinguished and the firefighting equipment was back to the fire house.

“Fire Quickly Extinguished”, Loudoun Times Mirror, Thursday, 22 August, 1925, 1, Thomas Balch Library of Leesburg Virginia

March 18, 1926, Barn Fire, Ashburn

The Leesburg Fire Department made a record run Sunday afternoon to the farm of Mr. Webster Kirtpatrick who lives two and a half miles past Ashburn. A quantity of hay and fodder in ricks was destroyed as was a pump house which contained two gasoline engines and some implements. The Company arrived at the scene of the fire within fifty minutes from the time the alarm was received at Leesburg. Chemicals were used to keep the fire from spreading to a nearby barn. The Leesburg Fire Company was called out early Monday morning to put out a burning chimney at the home of Mrs. Royston. The blaze did no damage to the property.

“Fire Department Responds”, Loudoun Times Mirror, Thursday, 18 March 1926, 1, Thomas Balch Library of Leesburg Virginia

March 22, 1926 Downtown Fire, Hamilton

An early morning fire of unknown origin, destroyed eight buildings in downtown Hamilton, at a loss of $150,000. The dry goods store of CJ. AV. Laycock, Sanders' Hardware Store, the Hamilton Mercantile Co., Kerr’s Drug Store. Wiley's Clothing Store and the homes of O. W. Lavcock, the Misses Myers and Dr. Kerr were practically destroyed. The blaze was discovered in the rear of Mr. George W Laycock’s store at about five o’clock on Monday morning. When first noticed, the blaze was of such menacing proportions that near-by towns were asked to respond with firefighting apparatus. The fire departments from Purcellville and Leesburg were on the scene promptly but the wooden structures were quickly consumed. Chemicals were used and three wells were pumped dry in an effort to check the blaze. Lack of water made the fight against spread of the flames difficult. Hundreds of citizens formed bucket brigades and saved a number of houses.

Evening Star, (Washington, D.C. 1854-1972), 22 March 1926 Page 2, Image 2, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

1927, Mutual Aid to Herndon

A fire of unknown origin destroyed the High School Building and contents in Herndon. Its Isolated position on an eight-acre lot and the north westerly direction of the wind probably saved other buildings. The loss is estimated at $35,000. When the fire was discovered the building was enveloped. Telephone calls for aid were sent to Falls Church and Leesburg and the company responded. For several hours’ firemen of Herndon and Leesburg and citizens generally worked about the crackling structure, tugging at paraphernalia or parts of the building, but the salvage was negligible. (It was soon after this fire that the Town of Herndon incorporated the Fire Company)

Evening Star, (Washington, D.C. 1854-1972), 16 January 1927, Page 2, Image 2, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

November 3, 1927, Barn Fire, Ashburn

The Leesburg Fire Company responded to the property of Mrs. Alice Jackson Ashburn for a fire but when they arrived, they found the barn burned to the ground. They were able to stop the spread of fire to nearby buildings.

January 1928, Lumber Yard Fires Purcellville

Leesburg responded to Purcellville to assist with the two Lumber Mill fires. A nearby grocery store was also destroyed. On January 28, a fire destroyed the Case Bros. lumber plant. Under similar circumstances, and about the same hour of the night the Popkins lumber plant had been destroyed January 8, at a loss of $40,000, only a small quantity of lumber being saved. A storage warehouse, 50 by 220 feet, a lumber shed, 18 by 150. and the office building and plaining mill of the Case plant were destroyed in the fire last night, which attracted hundreds of persons and was stubbornly fought for two hours. Firemen of Leesburg aided the Purcellville department and nearby homes were saved, including cottages of Mrs. G. F. Taylor, Walter Good and Arthur Davis. Two carloads of fine lumber and a new delivery truck were also destroyed. The Loudoun Times newspaper reported that the Leesburg Fire Company gave valuable assistance in preventing more serious loss.

July 25, 1928, JT Hirst Lumber Yard, Leesburg

A fire destroyed the J T Hirst lumber yard including buildings and machinery. This was the old Norris Bro’s facility which J T Hirst had purchased fifteen months earlier. The Fire Company put four streams of water on the fire and labored to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings. Much of the lumber in the yard and several JT Hirst buildings were a total loss, but the surrounding structures were saved. Much praise was heaped upon the near heroic work of the Firemen and the readiness of the Fire Company with the use of the most modern apparatus.

August 23, 1928, Leesburg laundry Fire

At 12:15 Monday morning, the Leesburg Laundry plant, located on King Street near the WO&D Railroad crossing, was heavily damaged by fire. When the fire company arrived, the flames were over the first floor but with several streams of water pouring onto the fire, the blaze was soon under control.

November 17, 1928, House Fire, Aldie

Leesburg responded to Aldie for a fire at the Brawner House; a historic landmark owned by Miss Annie Adams. It was located in the northeast section of Aldie, near the Episcopal Church and fronted the Aldie-Fairfax State Highway. The Leesburg Fire Company kept the flames confined to the building or origin, preventing damage to nearby structures.

November 28, 1928, Lumber Mill Fire, Purcellville

Leesburg responded to Purcellville to assist on the Case Bros. Lumber Mill fire.

December 11, 1928, Barn Fire, Purcellville

Leesburg responded to Purcellville to assist at the W L Simpson farm for a barn and dairy building fire.

March 1929, Store Fire, Aldie

The Leesburg Fire Department responded to Aldie in just thirty minutes but could do nothing to check the flames that destroyed the Goode & Furr Store. It was believed that the fire started after a robbery late that night.

April 4, 1929, House Fire at Lenah

The dwelling of Mr. C.R. Downs, located between Gilberts Corner and Stonebridge on the Lee-Jackson highway in Lenah, was destroyed. The Leesburg Fire Department responded to the scene but there was nothing they could do.

July 25, 1929, Barn Fire in Sterling

A fire of undetermined origin destroyed the large cow barn of Dr. Albert Shaw, editor of American Review of Reviews, in Sterling. Over 100 cows were inside for milking at the time, all but a few were chased from the barn and survived. Both Leesburg and Herndon fire companies responded and saved other buildings and the house.

September 25, 1929, Field Fire, Lovettsville

A fire in a field burned several acres and threatened a barn and other buildings near Lovettsville until an engine from the Leesburg Fire Department arrived. It was reported that but for the prompt and efficient service by the Leesburg Firemen, the barns and buildings would have been lost. “Considering the distance from Leesburg to the scene was fifteen miles, the fact that the engine arrive in thirty minutes after the call was received is a remarkable instance of speed on the part of the apparatus and the efficiency of the crew which operated it.” (Emphasis added)

October 5, 1929, St. James Church Fire, Leesburg

A fire of unknown origin burned for over two hours, damaging a considerable portion of the St. James Episcopal Church, in Leesburg. The fire was discovered around 8am, when smoke was seen pouring out of every opening and crack in the Church. Both of the Leesburg pumpers responded and were soon flowing water through four lines to extinguish the fire. Heavy smoke kept the firemen from advancing to the seat of the fire so holes were cut in the roof. Once ventilation began, firemen were able to reach the heavy timber inside and mop up the fire.

January 30, 1930 – Paeonian Springs Grain Mill

The grain elevator building at Paeonian Springs was destroyed by a “spectacular fire” that also consumed almost 2000 bushels of corn, feed and grain. The fire started around 1:30pm, burning the facility to the ground in less than two hours. Leesburg and Purcellville fire companies used chemicals as well as stretched a hose from the Paeonian Spring but the fire had made too much head way. In the end, the Firemen were able to save the surrounding buildings; including the WO&D Railroad station, from destruction.

May, 1930 – Barn Fire, Aldie

Leesburg responded to a barn fire in Aldie. They were not able to save the barn, but kept the fire from spreading to a larger barn and house.

July 31, 1930, Two Fires in the County for the Leesburg Volunteers

The Firemen responded to Big Spring, four miles north of Leesburg for a field fire. Minutes after returning, they were called out again, this time to a field fire near Gilberts Filling Station, ten miles south of Town on the Lee-Jackson Highway. The firemen checked the blaze that was endangering the filling station.

August 14, 1930, Leesburg Lime Co. Fire

A spectacular and alarming blaze occurred at night, destroying a large wooden building at the Leesburg Lime Company, Leesburg. The building housed a large amount of machinery as well as a significant quantity of dynamite and blasting caps. Due a lack of water and the hazardous material stored inside, the Fire Company worked to keep the fire from spreading to the fuel oil and gasoline tanks nearby.

September 27, 1930, High Point Orchard Fire

Special Dispatch to The Star.

LEESBURG, Va., September 27, sixty men fought a stubborn fire for two hours yesterday afternoon at the High Point Orchard near here before the blaze was brought under control. Starting at 12:30 o'clock from an unknown cause and accelerated by the dry material in its path, it quickly spread over four and a half acres, destroying a number of trees filled with apples. Buildings nearby were saved by attaching a plow to a truck and turning the sod around them. The Purcellville and Leesburg fire companies were summoned and aided in extinguishing the flames. The loss is estimated at several thousand dollars. The High Point Orchard belongs to W. S. Hoge, Jr., of Washington, D. C.

Evening Star, (Washington, D.C. 1854-1972), 27 September 1930 Page A-5, Image 5, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

January 1931, Forest Fire, Leesburg

The Fire Company was called out three times in one day to assist citizens who were trying to contain a forest fire about two miles north of Leesburg. The wind shifted and threatened the home of former Governor Westmorland Davis until it was contained.

April 27, 1932, Leesburg Inn Fire

From the Loudoun Times Mirror -

The Leesburg Inn, swept by fire yesterday with an estimated loss of $15,000, will be immediately repaired, F.D. Cunningham, owner of the property, this afternoon told the Times Mirror. Workmen were today engaged in removing debris from the charred upper stories of the 40-room structure, preparatory to the actual work of reconstruction. Adjusters representing insurance with which Mr. Cunningham carried policies understood to cover the loss were expected to survey the damage during the day. Mr. Cunningham expressed the hope that temporary repairs to be started at once, would enable him to reopen the hostelry within a few days. Guests permanently established at the hotel had found temporary lodging last night.

The Leesburg Inn, Photo from Balch Library collection

Firemen Fight Valiantly

Valiant, persistent work by the Leesburg Firemen saved the building from complete destruction. Put to the severest test it ever faced, the Company under the command of Chief L.T. Frye, saved Leesburg from a conflagration that menaced the main business section of the town. Chief Frye described the fire, believed to have started from a defective flue, as the stubbernest, the hardest to conquer, that has ever tested the efficiency of the company. Fire companies from Alexandria, McClean, Falls Church, Herndon, Purcellville, and Warrenton, responding to the plea of Mayor Harrison for help when the structure seemed doomed and the business area threatened, arrived about 10:30 o’clock as the flames were brought under control. They strung lines to the roof and were of great assistance in holding the fire to the burning building. Leesburg firemen, unmindful of danger, crawled on roof and out onto cornices in frantic effort to get a line of water on the fire. They succeeded, having at one time as many as six lines playing on the flames. The flames, confined to a space between the fourth floor and the slate roof, made it difficult for the firemen to reach vital spots. Dense smoke added to their difficulties, while a stout, tight flooring immediately under the roof, retarded their efforts to get at the fire. Obstacles, however, gave way to blows by axes in the hands of firemen, several of whom were overcome by the dense smoke permeating the upper stories and had to be led from the building.

“Leesburg Hotel Wrecked by Flames”, Loudoun Times Mirror, Thursday, 28 April 1932, 1, Thomas Balch Library of Leesburg Virginia

November 2, 1932, Dunn’s Store Fire, Leesburg

A fire early Tuesday night completely wrecked Dunn’s women’s apparel store in Leesburg, damaged the Leesburg Restaurant and the New Sweetland Confectionary, adjacent establishments. Efficient work by the Leesburg Fire Department, hurtling tons of water through dense clouds of smoke into the Dunn store, confined the blaze to that structure and saved nearby buildings, at one time threatened by the flames.

Shortly after eight o’clock, heavy black smoke was observed pouring from the northwest corner of the Dunn store. The firefighters arrived to encounter columns of heavy suffocating smoke enveloping the interior of the store, with no blaze to indicate the center of the fire. Inside the store, the fire crackled, with but a tiny flame noticeable here and there. Firemen groped around the building aided by flashlights in directing the hose nozzles. The interior of the store was today a black mass of charred woodwork and scorched merchandise, with the entire stock rated a complete loss, with the exception of a few dresses on display in the front windows.

“Blaze Wrecks Dunn’s Store in Leesburg”, Loudoun Times Mirror, Thursday, 4 November 1932, 1, Thomas Balch Library of Leesburg Virginia

February 18, 1933, Middleburg Fire - Fire destroyed several buildings and threatened Middleburg. It was 40 minutes before the Leesburg Fire Department, 18 miles away, could reach the scene and assist the bucket brigade. Next arriving were Warrenton, Purcellville and Herndon fire companies.

April 12, 1933, Leesburg Fire - A large part of the business section of Leesburg was destroyed when a fire at Jacks Bowling Alley spread to nearby buildings. Assisted by Herndon and Purcellville. LVFC Lieutenant Allen Adrian, was hospitalized after being injured while fighting the fire.

July 17, 1933, Barn Fire, Near Wheatland’s Va.

A fire believed to have been caused by a short circuit last night destroyed three large barns on the dairy farm of W. P. Coleman near here, causing a loss estimated at $50,000. More than 100 cows, normally housed in the barns, were out in the pasture when the blaze occurred. Three barns have previously been burned on the site, one during the Civil War. All were built around stone walls erected more than 100 years ago. The Leesburg Volunteer Fire Department, which raced 10 miles to the scene, prevented the flames from spreading to the Coleman residence.

Evening Star, (Washington, D.C. 1854-1972), 17 July 1933 Page A-14, Image 14, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

February 18, 1934, Middleburg Fire

Fire caused an estimated damage of $30,000, destroyed a building housing a bowling alley, livery stable and blacksmith shop, and threatened the town of Middleburg Business Area. It was 40 minutes before the Leesburg Fire Department could reach the scene. Also assisting were Purcellville and Herndon.

April 30, 1935, House Fire, Loudoun County

Rock Hill, one of Loudoun’s fine homes of the Colonial period, was razed by fire late yesterday afternoon. The flames, fanned by a high wind, had made the old brick structure a furnace by the time the Leesburg Fire Company reached the scene. Today the charred, high brick chimneys and massive walls marked the spot where once stood a manor house built in the 1790s by Alfred Belt. Because of the Intense heat, firemen and neighbors were able to save only a little furniture from the home. Substantial outbuildings near the house were saved, firemen being aided by the wind, which swept the flames sway from these structures. Rock Hill, built of brick manufactured on the property, stood on a foundation of solid rock. A handsome winding mahogany staircase led from the first to third floors. There were a number of hand-carved mantels in the home. Firemen believe the flames started from a defective flue.

Evening Star, (Washington, D.C. 1854-1972), 1 May 1935 Page A-14, Image 14, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

October 27, 1935, Store Fire, Marshall Va.

Fire destroyed the F. R. Johnston Department Store in Marshal Va. Warrenton, Front Royal and Leesburg assisted.

June 25, 1937, Foxcroft School Fire, Middleburg

The Middleburg Volunteer Fire Department had another call on Tuesday when the main house at Foxcroft School (the brick house) caught on fire. The fire was thought to have been started from an electric iron. The Leesburg Fire Department was called to help with the fire, which looked at one time as though it would be very serious.

Evening Star, (Washington, D.C. 1854-1972), 25 June 1937 Page B-5, Image 25, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

January 26, 1940, Nichols Hardware Store, Purcellville

A colder night for a fire is not on record in the county. It was while the thermometer registered around the zero mark that firemen fought in an all-night blaze in the Edward E. Nichols hardware store in Purcellville. Three fire companies answered the alarm at the Nichols store. At Purcellville, the men went on the fire shortly after five o’clock; Round Hill responded immediately and the Leesburg Fire Company in about twenty minutes after the call went out. A crew of near fifty men fought one of the most consistent four-hour battles in years to save the store as well as the adjoining properties of John B. Nichols and W. W. Demory.

The fire, started presumably from the furnace room, had swept away much of the cellar when employees discovered the building was on fire. Only such time necessary to recover the books and a few valuable papers was allowed the employees to make their escape from suffocating smoke and flames that were leaping from the cellar through to the first floor of the building. A basement stock of automobile tires, oils, tar paper and heavy hardware sent clouds of smoke rolling through the streets of the town at an alarming pace as crowds gathered from all sections of the county. Black smoke from the roaring inferno punctuated with the noise of shotgun shells as they exploded from the basement of the building, added to the terror.

In the early stages of the conflagration the firemen got in some good work but as the freezing became more and more difficult, their efforts were retarded. Water pressure too at times appeared to be a handicap. However, the men worked in shifts for hours or until the safety of the block was assured. A small group of local firemen remained on guard through the night, and lucks they did, for at four A.M. fire broke out anew at the rear of the building as another lot of linoleum began burning. This blaze was quickly extinguished. Saturday dawn found the store having the appearance of a cyclone and then a freeze. The more valuable stock of Mr. Nichols that burned over the eleven thousand square feet of floor space included electric ranges, radios, refrigerators, paints, varnishes, mattresses, bedding, hardware, farm supplies and much household equipment. To hold the fire within the confines of the Nichols store was no small undertaking for the firemen when the entire business block was threatened. Property holders have been generous in their praise of the work and showed their appreciation on the night of the fire by furnishing hot coffee, a change of warm, dry clothing, and whatever aid they could provide the workmen. “Nichols Fire Loss $45,000”, Loudoun Times Mirror, Thursday, 01 February, 1940, 1, Thomas Balch Library of Leesburg Virginia

At the next Leesburg Fire Company meeting, the secretary read a very nice letter of praise from the Mayor of Purcellville in regards to our help in the fire at Purcellville.

1940, Lovettsville Air Disaster, - On Aug. 31, 1940, the worst disaster in the history of commercial air travel at the time, occurred in Loudoun County. The incident became known as the Lovettsville air disaster, named for the small town near where the Pennsylvania Central Airlines Douglas DC-3 crashed. No definitive cause for the crash ever has been established, but bad weather was the major factor. Twenty-one passengers and four crew members were on the flight from Charlottesville to Washington DC, none survived. Rescue workers labored through ankle deep mud, hacked down corn stalks in adjoining fields which caught portions of the catapulted bodies, and sorted through a mass of twisted metal and machinery. A caravan of ambulances and hearses then carried the dead to nearby Leesburg, where a chapel inside Union Cemetery had been converted into a temporary morgue.

March 10, 1942, House Fire, Waterford

The 1929 Seagrave blew the motor on the way to this fire. The firemen had to hitchhike back to the station and respond with the 1937 Seagrave.

From the Evening Star Newspaper - The large frame and stucco home of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Stabler, valued at $7,500. was destroyed by fire yesterday. Only a servant was home at the time. Starting in the flue, the fire was fanned by high winds, and fire companies from Purcellville. Leesburg and Herndon were unable to bring it under control. They were able to save a large barn and valuable furniture, however.

Evening Star, (Washington, D.C. 1854-1972), 10March 1942 Page B-1, Image 22, http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

1947, Capital Airlines Crash on the Blue Ridge Mountain

On June 13, 1947 Pennsylvania-Central Airlines' Flight 410, crashed near a point known as Lookout Rock, West Virginia, approximately 8 miles southeast of Charles Town, West Virginia, while enroute from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Washington, D.C. The aircraft had struck a ridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains approximately two ‘miles east of the Shenandoah River. All 50 occupants of the aircraft were killed at impact and the Douglas DC-4 Stratoliner was demolished as a result of the crash and subsequent fire. This was, at the time, the second worst air disaster in the United States; the worst being a crash two weeks earlier near Port Deposit, Maryland, that killed 53.

The crash scene was so isolated and the terrain so rough, that going down the west side of the ridge was impossible. Rescue crews had to carry the bodies to the top of the ridge, then down the eastern slope to the Appalachian trail. There, Jeeps took the bodies the rest of the way to waiting ambulances and hearses. A temporary morgue was set up at the Union Cemetery chapel in Leesburg, where Federal Bureau of Investigation agents worked to identify the remains. Many of the victims were badly burned from the fire or mangled from the impact. Of the fifty people on board, forty-eight were accounted for and of those, forty were identified. The two unaccounted passengers were believed to have been incinerated. The eight unidentified bodies were laid to rest in a common grave in Leesburg’s Union Cemetery. The head stone simply says “In Memoriam” and lists the names of the eight unidentified and two missing passengers, along with the date of the crash.

Photo Credit James Fazekas with thanks to BC Matt Murphy for the discovery

July 18, 1959, Goose Creek Country Club Fire, Leesburg

A fire that started in the kitchen destroyed building. from Ashburn, Hamilton, Purcellville, Philmont, Herndon and Vienna, assisted Leesburg. One of the firemen, James E. Souper of Vienna, was overcome by smoke and heat and was hospitalized.

October 29, 1961 Drug Fair, Leesburg

A five-alarm fire, which 100 firemen fought for three hours, destroyed a drug store and damaged two adjoining stores in a small shopping center in downtown Leesburg on October 28, 1961. The fire caused $20,000 damage and was apparently started by an oil burner, according to an Associated Press report. Heaviest damage was to a Drug Fair store which opened several months earlier. Leesburg Volunteer Fire Department Chief Lester O. Moxley said the inside of the building was destroyed and the structure itself “is in pretty bad shape.” An adjoining supermarket and a tire store were damaged by smoke.

While there were no injuries reported at the blaze, Moxley said a volunteer firefighter fractured his ankle in his haste to respond to the first alarm. Town police reported several employees who were in the store when the fire broke out shortly before the business day started, escaped.

When water in the town’s storage tanks ran out, firemen were forced to pump water 2000 feet from an abandoned quarry. Purcellville, Luckett’s, Hamilton and Ashburn Volunteers fought the fire.

The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973); Oct 29, 1961; pg. A28

The blaze was noticed by fire dispatcher James Anderson, who had just stepped outside of fire control for a break and saw the heavy black smoke two blocks away. He went back inside the dispatch office in the front room of the courthouse and immediately "toned out" the first and second alarm for a working structure fire.