The Journal News 13 Jan 1931. Tue. Page 1 “Jakie Popst Saloon Fire gains quickly. Oxford Equipment, and Crew Handicapped by Lack of Water Fire, that broke out at 9:45 this morning in the frame structure still known as “the Jakie Popst saloon” at Darrtown, threatened for a time to make a clean sweep through this village. Only the absence of wind and the excellent work of the Oxford fire department saved the central part of the place from destruction. The lower part of the building, a structure 30 x 50’ occupied by the Darrtown Motor Inn, was vacant. The second floor housed the apartments occupied by Samuel Cox and two children. The Cox apartments were unoccupied at the time, the fire was discovered the children being in school. The origin of the fire is unknown. The flames already had a good start when the first discovery was made. The place was a veritable tinderbox. Erected some 35 years ago. It was entirely a frame construction, the timbers burning like tinder. The oil-soaked conditions of the lower part that formerly occupied by the garage, contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Oxford Fireman Arrive The Oxford, fire department, and subsequently the Seven Mile fire department, were called. The latter arrived too late to be of any major assistance. Splendid work in checking the spread of the flames to nearby buildings was done by the Oxford Fireman. A shortage of water greatly hampered the efforts of the fireman. When the flames spread to the residence of Dr. Alston, it was necessary to carry water from wells to the booster tank of the fire engine, before it could quench the flames. On either side of the burned structure, were the store of Clint Alexander and the newsstand of William Brincefield. Opposite was the B. M. Wyckoff store. All these were seriously threatened, until the flames were brought under control. The burned building was owned by Arthur Dodds. Being absent from the village, it was impossible to gain from him an estimate of his loss. Household Goods Burned None of the Cox household effects were saved. The building long has been one of the historic landmarks of Darrtown. It first was erected at a time, when rinks for roller skating were to be found in every community. While the craze lasted at Darrtown, it was used as a skating rink. Later it was occupied by the Jakie Popst saloon, which had a wide repute, until the coming of Prohibition.

The Journal News 14 Jan 1931. Wed. Page 9 FIRE AT DARRTOWN DOES DAMAGE Although there have been eight runs made by the Oxford fire department, since the first of the year, none in the village has required much work on the part of the fireman, or much more than a few squirts from the chemical hose, to put the fire under control. The fire in Darrtown Tuesday morning, which destroyed the old Jakie Popst saloon building, was, however, a different story. Only the heroic efforts of the Oxford boys, using only water carried and poured into the booster tank of the firetruck, prevented a serious spread of the flames. The Oxford department also suffered considerable damage to Its truck, which, although parked on the opposite side of the street, from the burning building, was not only blistered, but the glass of windshield and both headlights was cracked by the intense heat.

Hamilton Evening News 21 Jan 1931. Wed. Page 4 Skating Rink Burns The old skating rink hall was destroyed by fire of unknown origin, Tuesday morning. The fire was noticed by a high school student at 9:45 and the alarm was soon spread. School was dismissed and the gentleman teachers and young men students worked heroically throughout the fire. The Oxford fire department promptly responded to the fire call. The building was beyond saving, and all efforts were turned toward saving the homes of Clint Alexander, William Brincefield, and the store and dwelling of B. M. Wyckoff. The latter building was the most damaged. The home of Frank Bufler, a half-block away, was also threatened, but carefully watched, and no damage resulted. When the terrific blaze was at the worst, the Seven Mile fire department was called and made a quick run to the village, but the upper floor of the building had fallen in, and the greatest danger was over. Many volunteer firefighters were on the scene, and the villagers are very grateful to all, and especially to the neighboring villages, which willingly sent of their men and firefighting equipment, and although the Seven Mile men did not get to use their equipment, the kindly spirit is to be commended. Burned debris from the fire was found on farms on the Collinsville-Oxford Road. The building, a two-story frame, structure, was an old landmark. It was built for a skating rink, later served as a hotel, and for several years, the lower floor was occupied by the Darrtown Motor Inn, and Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Francis resided in the upstairs apartment. For the past, few months, Sam Cox, and children, Theboa and Russell, had lived upstairs, and the lower floor was unoccupied. The Coxes were away, when the disastrous fire broke out. Mr. Cox, a Watkins salesman, was on his route, and the children were in school at Collinsville. The household effects of the Cox family were entirely destroyed, and the children remained after school with neighbors, until the father arrived home, after which all went to the home of relatives in Hamilton. Many motors have stopped to view the ruins of an old landmark. The property was owned by Arthur Dodds of Millville. Fire Protection The citizens of the village and community met at the schoolhouse, Thursday night, for the purpose of discussing plans for fire protection. Harry W. Teckman was named chairman of the association. Another meeting was held Tuesday night and further plans made.