American Library Association | Search ALA | Contact ALA | Give ALA | Join ALA | ALA FAQ | ALA Login

American Libraries



Site Navigation







Left Sidebar Items

Fire Damages Historic Wisconsin Library

A fire apparently caused during a roofing project damaged the historic Wadsworth Library at the Department of Veterans Affairs grounds in Milwaukee June 30, destroying everything on the south end of the 1891 limestone building that served as barracks for soldiers returning from World War II.

Numerous books were soaked by firefighters' efforts and a 19th-century bookcase was toppled with its books waterlogged, according to a library employee. An oil painting of the first Wisconsin soldier killed in the Civil War was rescued by a staff member.

A spokesman said roofers had been working on the library roof, leaving about 30 minutes before the first alarm was called. He told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he didn't know if the roofers caused the fire and that the state fire marshal's office was investigating.

Posted July 6, 1998.

Right Sidebar

AL Joblist
AL Store