[EDITOR'S NOTE: This article appeared first in the Grand Saline Sun, October 29, 1917 and later it was printed in the book, Some History of Van Zandt, County]
On Wednesday night of last week, at 8 o'clock, fire of unknown origin, but believed to be due to the explosion of a lantern or the careless dropping of a match, completely destroyed the plant of the Grand Saline Salt company, which is known locally as the "lower works."
The fire was beyond control when it was first discovered by men employed in the panroom and originated in a shelter or restroom which contained a radiator and had been provided for the men in which to change their clothing and warm while waiting for the salt carts to be filled by machinery. There were no electric lights when the fire occurred due to the fact that the city light plant and city waterworks were temporarily out of water and the salt plant was being lighted by lanterns and candles, and it is believed that the fire originated from some of the improvised lights.
The boilerrooms and boilers, the shops and the office buildings were saved intact, but the salt works proper was totally destroyed.
The loss is estimated at $100,000. Partially covered by insurance.
The plant was owned by T. S. McGrain of this city and Emerson Carey of Hutchinson, Kansas.
Mr. McGrain stated to a Sun reporter that he would rebuild the plant, in all probability, just as soon as the insurance is adjusted, and the work of rebuilding will be pushed as rapidly as the freight and material situation will permit. However, owing to unavoidable delays resulting from the fire, his plans in regard to the construction of the new plant are not fully matured.
