Historic Photo: When a 1912 Fire Struck New Glarus
A wind-driven fire that began in a barn near the brewery in July 1912 spread across part of New Glarus, badly damaging the Methodist church, brewery buildings and nearby property as residents fought to save the village.
A historic photo from one of New Glarus’ most dramatic early fires recalls a chaotic summer afternoon in 1912, when flames broke out near the brewery and quickly spread through part of the village. Newspaper accounts from the time describe a fast-moving fire that tested both the New Glarus Fire Department and local residents.
The blaze began Thursday afternoon, July 25, 1912, in Jacob Legler’s barn, reportedly between 3 and 4 p.m. One account said it likely started in hay stored inside. A strong wind then carried burning embers beyond the original fire, helping ignite other structures nearby.
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