This article was submitted by Susan King of Cabot, AR who is the granddaughter of Robert Haden Flood.   The fire occurred sometime in the 1930's but she is not sure of the exact date or of the newspaper where the article appeared.   According to "Franklin and Simpson County A Picture of Progress" 1819-1975, compiled by Mrs. James Beach, Sr and James Henry Snider, Gillespie Dry Goods operated on the  South Side of the Square 1923-1974.  Knapp's Department Store was located on the South Side of the Square in the early 1900's.   "Simpson Co, KY Families Past and Present" 1819-1989, pg 249, George Clark Gillespie was elected Mayor of Franklin in 1933 and served two consecutive terms.

DENTAL OFFICE FIRE’S START

LOSS WILL TOTAL APPROX I MATELY $50,000.00

 

Bowling Green Fire Truck Responds and Renders Much Valuable Assistance

 

Fire of undetermined origin, which broke out at l:15 o’clock Saturday

morning, swept two buildings on the Southwest corner of the public square

and threatened the entire business section. The fire was making such headway when discovered that it was thought advisable to ask for aid from Bowling Green and one engine company responded.  The two brigades confined the fire to the building where it

originated and the one adjoining and succeeded in extinguishing it after a hard-fought battle which lasted for four hours. When the fire was discovered it was gaining in the dental office of Dr. O. G. Wilson, who owned the building, using the upstairs for an office and work rooms. The first floor was occupied by R. H. Flood & Co., dealers in ladies’ ready-to-wear, and by H. H. Knapp’s Dept. Store.  Dr. Wilson lost his entire dental outfit; Mr. Flood sustained the loss of about $2,000, while Mr. Knapp’s loss will be approximately the same amount.  The building adjoining, which is the property of Mrs. J. W. Pole, wife of former Comptroller of Currency J. W. Pole, of Washington, D. C., housed the Gillespie Dry Goods Company store, which was operated by Mayor G. Clark Gillespie and his brother, Eugene Gillespie.

The stores were potent factors in the life of Franklin and Simpson County

and gave employment to a number of people. They carried large stocks of

quality merchandise, and it is hoped they will all be re established in

business again at an early date. Both buildings were unroofed and a downpour of rain flooded the exposed stocks through the entire forenoon Saturday, and every article in both buildings was damaged by fire, smoke or water.  Estimating the damage to the buildings at $5,000, the fire lose will not fall short of $50,000.

The people of Franklin deeply appreciate the action of the Bowling Green

fire company in coming to their aid, and will, if opportunity is ever offered, gladly do them a friendly turn.