In 1907, Santa Claus was briefly blamed for devastating Illinois fire

Santa Claus was briefly blamed for a Dec. 21, 1907, fire that destroyed the eastern half of the 600 block of East Adams Street. The final damage estimate, over $137,000, made the fire the most expensive in Springfield history up to that time.
The blaze started in the Johnston-Hatcher store on the southwest corner of Seventh and Adams streets.
- PUB DATE: 12/12/2022 12:00:00 AM - SOURCE: The State Journal-Register - Metered Site