Fear existed today that a wavering Cox’s Hardware and Furniture building will “kick back” at surrounding buildings and do damage in addition to that done in the May 6 fire which caused damages estimated at $1.5 million. L.D. Fern Construction Co. has a wrecking crane on the job today tearing down the wall of the fire damaged building to protect Marion citizens.

City commissioners and policemen were routed briefly from their meeting Wednesday night when the front wall of Cox Hardware and Furniture building collapsed about 8:30 pm. Bricks from the wall of the building that burned May 6 bounced into the traffic lanes of the Public Square and bricks and rubble covered the sidewalk in front of the building. No one was injured.

The collapsing wall was the one adjoining Kay’s Shop which was also burned in the fire. The ruins in the rear of the Kay’s and Goss Home Furnishings has been smoldering continually in the 10 days since the fire. One spectator of more than 30 at the scene, said, “I heard the noise and I thought it was a motorcycle back-firing.” Motorcycles are particularly noisy when in the narrow street between Cox’s and the Republican-Leader building.

Police immediately roped off the narrow alley-like street of Franklin and the alley between Stylart Shoppe and Speed’s Confectionery. Numerous rumors have been in the air as to Gene Cox’s intentions concerning the burned building. Wednesday night Cox made up his mind. Only Saturday workmen were in the building salvaging fire, water and smoke damaged merchandise.

Three days later the roof and wall caved in. Fire Chief James C. Dungey said, “It’s the owner’s decision.” “I’ll be glad when it’s down,” said Bill Butler, whose building is located about 30 feet from Cox’s building. The Daily Republican building, American Legion and Speed’s Confectionary all are about 20 feet from the building.

(Extracted from local newspapers and compiled by Harry Boyd, posted at http://www.marionfire.us )