The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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Staff Photo by Morris Stephenson:
A ladder truck from the Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department quickly brought down the fire with a heavy mist of water. |
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
By MORRIS STEPHENSON - Staff Writer
The former House Restaurant, now vacant but a popular night spot in Ferrum during the 1970s and 80s, was destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning.
Although most of the building is still standing, the fire on the second floor of the main structure caused enough damage for former restaurant to be determined a total loss. Damage is estimated at $100,000, according to Fire Marshal Bennie Russell.
The building is owned by Giuseppe Altadonna, Russell said.
Deputy Sheriff Lewis Wimmer reported the fire to the dispatcher at the Franklin County Sheriff's Department at 4:45 a.m.
Members of the Ferrum Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene within minutes. When they arrived, fire had broken through the roof of the second floor of the large frame structure on Ingramville Road.
Just before 5 a.m., several quick explosions, apparently caused by electrical wires leading into the building, sent sparks flying into the air and could be heard throughout the community.
The Ferrum firefighters battled the flames until about 5:15 a.m. when Rocky Mount Volunteer Fire Department members arrived on the scene with a large ladder truck. Once the truck was in place and the ladder extended above the flames, a heavy mist of water quickly brought down the flames.
Most of the building was still standing when the fire was brought under control about an hour after it was reported.
The House Restaurant was a popular night spot with live music, often featuring "January Rose," food and adult beverages.
After the House Restaurant closed in the early 1990s, several other restaurants opened in the building but closed after failing to gain the popularity the House Restaurant once had.
Volunteers from Fork Mountain and Henry fire departments responded to the call, along with Ferrum Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Franklin County Department of Public Safety. |
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