1/29/2010

By John Verhoff, Staff Writer

At approximately 12 am this morning, Naomi Gibson awoke to the frenzied barking of her dog, Yippers, and a red glow outside the windows of her home. After looking outside, a shocked Naomi delivered a desperate 911 call. The West End Historical Society was on fire.

The Historical Society’s closest neighbor, Gibson went to the porch to see how far the fire had spread and if anyone was in need of help. She knew the curator, Albert Walker, and his assistants sometimes worked late into night.

“Yippers kept barking like someone was out there,” said Gibson. “But there wasn’t. There were only flames."

Minutes later police and fireman arrived at the scene. While firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to nearby woods, the Historical Society and mueseum burned completely to the ground.

“I’d heard about the fires, of course. Who hasn’t,” said Gibson. “But I never expected to see one or have it happen so close to home. Who would want to torch a museum?”

Police have officially stated this morning that fire is again the work of the arsonist known as Red Dust. It has also been verified that two sets of remains have been found in the fire, each partially burned to dust. This marks the tenth attack by Red Dust since the first fire at Bockwick’s Warehouse last spring. As before, no missing people have been reported. All Historical Society staff have been accounted for, although the curator, Walker, had no comment.

“It’s a real tragedy,” commented city councilman Joel Burnside. “We’ve lost an irreplaceable part of West End last night. Hundreds of years of history that can never be restored. But we’re going to try anyway!”

The city council is asking for donations of any and all antiques or papers that may have any relation to West End History. Monetary donations will also be accepted while the council considers a plan to rebuild.

jverhoff@wendradio.com