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Sugar Valley
THE DAY LOGANTON BURNED by Lou Bernard
Out of the entire history of Loganton, one of the events that stands out most is a fire. It was June 19, 1918. The fire began in the bakery of Charles Kemmerer, which occasionally happened in those days. In a time when we didn’ t have electricity, fire was required for light, heat, and often food, so fire outbreaks were not uncommon. This one began in the bakery, and then almost immediately jumped across to the Logan House, a local hotel.
From there, it spread to the rest of town within minutes. One call for help went out before the phone lines burned down. The local newspaper contacted the Red Cross and let them know help was needed, and also gave a ride to J. Frank McCormick, who worked for the United Telephone Company, so that he could try to reestablish the phone system.
The fire continued until it was blazing through forty-one homes and business buildings, thirtytwo barns and stables, and two churches. Prominent local people began to show up from the county, including writer and folklorist Henry Shoemaker, who helped evacuate families and save their possessions.
Another hero who arrived to help was Boyd“ Water Man” Keller, local water superintendent and fireman. Sent by Lock Haven Mayor John Cupper, Keller found that there was no water available from the local supply. So he ordered some men to construct two dams in nearby creeks, backing up a water supply. It was characteristic of Keller, who had a reputation for unusual plans that generally saved the day. When fire crews arrived from Jersey Shore to help, they were greeted with an abundant supply of water, thanks to Keller’ s planning.
The fire destroyed a significant portion of the community, but nobody died, thanks to the people who showed up to help. In the end, there was a massive loss of property, but the people were saved, and began to rebuild their lives. They went on, with the sense of community togetherness that Loganton is known for, even today.
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