Dover's 1907 mill blaze: hear the stories from the authors of "Factory on Fire" Dec. 18, 7pm

Local Dover historians and former Woodman Museum trustees, Mark Leno Jr. and Thom Hindle have recently published a new book about Dover’s deadliest mill fire. “Factory on Fire” is the true story of the Cocheco Mill No 1 blaze (now the One Washington Center mill) in January 1907.  Mark and Thom will talk about the fire at the Dover Public Library on Monday, December 18 at 7pm.

The Mill No. 1 fire resulted in the deaths of seven millworkers, and injured many more. The 58-hour conflagration began on January 26, 1907, an extremely cold, -20 degree morning. Based on the authors’ years of research, the book details first person accounts from workers and eyewitnesses, and includes over 50 photographs reproduced from original glass plate negatives. “Factory on Fire” explores the causes of the fire, the plight of the mill workers who dangled from open windows, the work of heroic rescuers and firefighters in extreme weather, and an intriguing lawsuit later brought against mill owners by an injured survivor.  You’ll want to come hear Mark and Thom to hear which way the court ruled!

The presentation is free and all are welcome to attend in the library’s Lecture Hall. Signed copies of the 180 page book will be available for $20 and will make great Christmas presents for anyone with an interest in Dover history! 

For more information, call the Dover Public Library at 603-516-6050