Midnight Blaze at Independence

The saloon of Bartow Watson at Independence, Ky., was destroyed by fire at midnight, Thursday.  The loss is estimated at $1,500.  Watson closed his saloon at 10 o’clock.  At midnight, Mrs. Watson was awakened by flames coming from the saloon.  She notified the telephone operator, who aroused the citizens and the bucket brigade hurried to the scene.  The adjoining buildings of O. R. Thornton and Mrs. Shoborg were saved by the volunteers.  Deputy County Clerk Elmer Stansifer, awakened by the barking of his dog, joined the bucket brigade.  The Watson saloon was located opposite the court-house.

Kentucky Times Star, May 11, 1917