$110,000 FIRE DESTROYS COUNTRY CLUB & CONTENTS

Feb. 6, 1959, at 9:30 P.M. was the end of the 48-year old building. Charleston and Mattoon Fire Departments were called by Mr. Bud Wirth. Neal Hutton, Charleston Fire Chief, said that he directed his men to protect an out-building and a large 1,000 gallon butane tank. Wirth said he managed to save some currency from the safe, but everything was destroyed. The fire started in the furnace room as Wirth had discovered. He traveled to a neighboring house to call in the alarm. The Wirths lived in an apartment in the north end of the building and were with another couple, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rysacker of Shelbyville. He said he heard a loud sound like a shot and went to investigate, finding the fire. The Wirths lost everything except the clothing they wore. The club was built in 1911, and was moved to the present in 1920. Many repairs and remodeling was done. A new roof was being planned to be installed. The building was insured with William Real for $41,000. The board of directors for the club were going to meet to decide what to do next.