Whitney Glassworks Company Store Rubble

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This photograph shows the aftermath of the October 26, 1895 fire. It is believed the rubble in this photograph is the original Whitney Store, which was located on the corner of High and Main Street where the Town Square and Veteran's Park are now located. This structure was a large sandstone and wood building.

It is believed the fire started across Main Street in the Whitney Glassworks, and due to strong winds, it quickly spread to nearby structures, including the Whitney Store, a packing house, box shop, butcher shop, offices, and several homes. The bank, which was on the southwest corner of High and Main, and the Post Office, which was next door, were saved. The fire was very large, and at the time, Glassboro did not have a fire department or access to running water. As a result, the City of Camden was called to help put out the fire.

This fire was extremely destructive for the Whitney Glassworks; however, the Whitneys pressed forward and reopened the store and factory a few months after the fire. Most of the plant's equipment was ruined; however, the walls were still intact. The mill was rebuilt immediately, and everyone went back to work. In 1897, the mill went through a series of repairs, including a new roof, new machinery, and the addition of running water. This was the first system of running water to operate in Glassboro.

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