Fire destroys Assumption brewery early Thursday

March 2, 2019 9

ASSUMPTION (Heartland Newsfeed) — A local brewery in northeastern Christian County was destroyed in a fire during the early morning hours on Thursday, Feb. 28 and according to the owners of the business, its future is currently unknown. The 1905 Brewing Company, located on the 300 block of S. Chestnut St. in Assumption, was reported as ablaze around 4:30 a.m.

Assumption Fire Department chief Herb Palmer reported that their department, with mutual aid from Pana and Moweaqua, were on site fighting the fire until 10:30 a.m., six hours after it was reported being on fire.

The building, previously home to the Golden Prairie News, was a complete loss as a result of the fire, which Palmer attributed weather conditions as responsible for being unable to save the building.

“We did everything we could to try to save it, but with that old of a building and with the wind blowing, there was no chance of saving it,” Palmer said.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the scene and do not have an official cause of the fire.

“It’s really heartbreaking to the community,” Palmer added. “The ten people, they spent a lot of hard work on that to get it going.”

Co-owner Tom Dooley, an insurance claims adjuster who investigates fires, said it was simply too soon to know what can be done to rebuild.

“Unfortunately we won’t know because of the amount of damage,” Dooley said.

Dooley explained how the condition of the building will make it harder to determine the cause.

The brewery owners researched buildings in town for their new business before settling on the location, which they said provided the atmosphere that was important to their plans. 1905 opened their doors in July.

The owners said they tried to preserve the history of the building by using items re-purposed from other buildings in Assumption, such as the door from an old hardware store.

“1905 was a labor of love for the 10 owners and had become a huge part of our lives, so we are all hurting this morning. But we also know that 1905 has become a part of our customers lives as well and you all are also feeling the loss,” the owners said. “And thanks to everyone for all your offers of support and very kind words.”

There were no injuries as a result of the fire.

Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.