Andy North’s retail and custom barbecue house, 601 W. Boyton, Marion was destroyed by fire near 9 pm Thursday. North, who specialized in customer work, had used the building for about six years. He has been in the business for about the past 40 years. Flames from the building’s open barbecue pit was the apparent cause of the fire. Marion firemen were called at 9 pm but could not save the 18 by 20-foot structure. Seven pieces of meat were inside the house when it burned, including pork shoulders and ham. Two ice boxes and a table also were destroyed. A new flue and pit had recently been installed. North’s barbecue was known throughout the area. He had service clubs and individuals. Reconstruction plans are indefinite.

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