William Van Gorder Grocery Store & Pool Room
Main Street
Harrisonville
Owner: Walter Neary, Operator: William Van Gorder
Year started: circa 1915
Year ended: 1916
The Portsmouth Times, October 5, 1916
WILLIAM VAN GORDER STORE AT HARRISONVILLE IS DESTROYED
Fire of unknown origin completely destroyed the William Van Gorder Grocery Store and Pool Room at Harrisonville about 9:30 Wendesday evening.
Van Gorder and several friends left the building about 9:30 and he was asleep when aroused by Miss Mary Porter, telephone exchange operator, her mother, Mrs. William Kirchner having discovered the flames shooting from the two-story frame structure which was located on Main Street in the village.
The fire had gained such headway that the interior of the building was a seething furnace when Van Gorder arrived and he was unable to save even his books. The building and contents were reduced to ashes.
Large crowed gathered and several bucket brigades were formed and they succeeded in saving adjoining property. The store was located between Stockham and Payne's grocery and a large barn owned by Wanser Rickey. All near buildings have tin roofs which saved them from catching fire. The chemical fire extinguisher was used with telling effect on Stockham and Payne's grocery building.
The building destroyed was owned by Walter Neary of Jackson, Ohio and his loss is covered by $400 insurance. Van Gorder carried $600 insurance on his stock and two pool talbes which were on the second floor.
Van Gorder is a brother of John Van Gorder of this city. The home of his father, James Van Gorder, was destroyed by fire just last winter. Van Gorder had been in business about a year.