Disasters - Fires

• SUNDAY'S FIRE IS HOLLYWOOD TAVERN'S END - The Hollywood Tavern, once one of the main facets of Hancock's extensive liquor dispensers, ended its days in flames early Sunday morning. The cause, so fire fighters indicated, may have been due to a small heater which furnished warmth to the lower floor of the southern structure of which actually once was a tribuilding affair.Operated by Hancock's John Burgbacher, the building's flames began about 5 a.m. and they were noted by a passerby who informed the city hall authorities as to the site of the flames.The city's fire department responded within 10 to 15 minutes after notification with the result that the fire was contained in the tavern's first floor with the basement also being damaged.At no time, according to the department, was there extensive flames even though the building has an area once occupied by six families. None of these quarters were being used at the time of Sunday's blaze.After reporting back to its headquarters after the fire was thought quenched, the department was called out again about 10:30 when flames were noticed once more. Additional water was put on the fire's location.The building still stands but inasmuch as the Skinner interest that own the structure had planned to remove it from the scene during the upcoming summer it is indicated there will be no attempts to repair or rebuild.Both John Burgbacher and his son, John Jr., reported to the scene shortly after the fire began with the senior member of the unit declaring that he would not go back into business at the site or any other in Hancock.The Burgbacher furniture, fixtures and the building were insured.The building dates back to before the turn of the century. It was constructed of Entry sandstone which was brought to the site by tugs and scows out of the Jacobsville area, it is said.The first owner was Dominic Vignetto, who constructed the building. He in turn, gave way to his son, Angelo, who operated it for many years. Angelo also had interest in the Park Brewery when it was revived after the termination of prohibition in 1933.It was the Quincy Hill's Dante Grassesschi who took over when Vignetto decided to rent the building and it was from Grassesschi that Burgbacher took over about a quarter of a century ago.Burgbacher said Sunday afternoon that he was able to save the till's receipts for Saturday. The proprietor also stated that the formica tables came through without being scathed. The chairs are a loss, however.Most other portions of the structure were damaged by either water or smoke. The fire site is on Ravine and Hancock thoroughfares. [Daily Mining Gazette Article - March 17, 1969]
4/11/2008 9:24:00 AM by Anonymous

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