This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Benton fire on Public Square destroys three businesses
Firefighters battled a devastating blaze on Benton’s Public Square that consumed The Cobbler's Corner, Stewart Paint and Electric, and Center Fabricks along with two offices and two apartments. The loss is estimated at $750,000. Five firefighters were overcome by gases, with injuries treated at Franklin Hospital. Dozens of departments assisted as heavy smoke and heat drove crews to fight from roofs and stairs, while authorities planned debris removal and a Tuesday or Wednesday investigation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
O.R. Walley
Southern Illinoisan
Benton
Paul Rogers
Cobbler’s Corner
Stewart Paint and Electric Co
Center Fabricks
Outdoor Illinois Magazine
Joseph Hickman
Rogers
Scott Pritchard
David Smith
Franklin Hospital
Jeff Shew
Pritchard
Smith
Wisely’s Men‘s Wear
Dollar General Store
Albert Smith
Community Bank
Levi Browning
West Frankfort
Christopher
Buckner
Walier
Harrisburg
Galatia
Carrier Mills
Johnston City
Marion
Herrin
Zeigler
Lesser
Thompsonville
Energy
Carterville
Pittsburg
Mount Vernon
West City
Benton Station
Ditto Basso
Tom Aaron
Ramon Bione
John Koropchak
Dean Mercer
University of Illinois
Browning
Bend Lake
Franklin County Sheriff's Department
Sherman’s Department
Hudson
Campbell's Furniture
Barney West
Franklin County Emergency Service and Disaster Agency