Brian Spangle’ s latest book details events from 100 years ago BY LINDSAY OWENS
A tale of 3 tragedies
Brian Spangle’ s latest book details events from 100 years ago BY LINDSAY OWENS
Brian Spangle’ s love of Vincennes and Knox County history continues to shine in his recently released fourth book, Vincennes, 1926: Three Tragedies.
“ I’ d had the idea for this book for several years and knew I wanted to have it ready for release in 2026, the 100th anniversary of the three tragedies,” said Spangle, whose other books Vincennes History You Don’ t Know, Hidden History of Vincennes & Knox County and Lost Vincennes have been widely popular.“ All three events happened in the first two-and-a-half months of 1926 and under a new city administration.”
Spangle, who also writes a popular history column in the Sun Commercial, spent months researching the three incidents that forever changed the lives of many residents.
The first tragedy happened on Jan. 18. At the time, Spangle said Vincennes had three hose companies: South Fourth Street between Main and Vigo, Sixth and Harrison streets and Second and Railroad Avenue( known now as Rosedale Avenue). The fire alarms sounded at two of the three hose companies but failed to go off at the headquarters located between Main and Vigo. Headquarters was notified of the call and took off to assist, but moments later struck a farm truck carrying a hog set to go to market. Four firemen lost their lives.
“ Just three weeks later, the Burchfield Department Store, at Fourth and Main, burned,” said Spangle, adding copies of the book are available on Amazon and at the Knox County Public Library.“ That building was originally E. Bierhaus & Sons Wholesale Grocers. It was built by the Bierhaus family in 1886 for $ 25,000, which was an enormous sum at the time. They used it as a warehouse until 1917 when they built a new one at First and Church streets.”
The building underwent a major overhaul before turning into a shopping destination for many. On Saturday, Feb. 6, 1926, smoke could be seen coming from the grates outside of the store. The fire department was alerted but the fire, which had started in the basement, spread so quickly via the elevator shaft that the store was quickly engulfed in flames with people trapped on the second floor. Seven people were rescued with four of the women being badly burned. Some succumbed to their injuries, but that wasn’ t the only loss. William Burchfield, the store owner, lost everything; he was already dealing with a large amount of debt.
“ On April 1, just two days before Easter, the last tragedy took place,” said Spangle.“ Two men had made purchases at the Palace of Sweets with what the clerk thought was counterfeit money.”
The store owner was notified and went to the police station. Officers then went to look for the men and found them at what was then the Knights of Columbus on Main. A detective lost his life when he was shot point-blank in the abdomen but the two men continued to run— and shoot— their way around downtown before escaping. A manhunt on ground and via air took place and they were eventually found in Bicknell with a large sum of cash on hand. Dreyfus Rhoads then became a name in Knox County known not only for the murder of detective Simon Carie, but also because his legal proceedings took five years.
Of course, there’ s more to each story, but you’ ll have to read Spangle’ s book to find out.
Brian Spangle planned to release his book this year to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tragedies.
INSIDE KNOX & DAVIESS COUNTIES 6 SPRING & SUMMER 2026 | 21