08/21/2026
As we reflect on the history of Clifton Springs, one aspect that stands out is the Clifton Springs Fire Department. The fire department originated as the Foster Hose Company in 1883, established to protect the Sanitarium. Over time, the Winona Hose, Citizens Hook and Ladder, and Protectives were added. In 1924, the fire departments merged into a single entity, retaining the name Winona Hose, while Foster Hose remained separate. By 1954, all fire departments were unified under the name Clifton Springs Fire Department. Since its inception, the fire department has been comprised of volunteers, a tradition that continues to this day. Throughout the years, firefighters have responded to thousands of calls, including notable structure fires such as the Pierce block fire and the San Bowl Fire. However, one fire that may have gone unnoticed is the Cox Flour Mill fire. During research, a newspaper article dated Wednesday, December 21, 1932, was discovered.
FIRE DESTROYS COX FLOUR MILL Clifton Springs Fire Called from Meeting to Fight Blaze
Clifton Springs --- A fire of undetermined origin completely destroyed the Hugh Cox flouring mill on Railroad Avenue, resulting in an estimated loss of $8,000 to $10,000. The only salvageable items were metal machine parts, which held junk value. On Monday night, December 19, 1932, Gottlieb Walters Jr. discovered the fire while leaving a meeting of the local fire company around 11:30 pm. He notified the night man at the Bloser garage, who subsequently alerted the fire companies. Due to the presence of approximately 20 firefighters still in their club rooms, four streams were quickly directed at the building, a three-story structure with a basement, confining the fire within the walls and roof. Fortunately, the lack of wind enabled the firefighters to save the Cox barn, located behind the mill, the Bloser garage, situated about 30 feet east, and the storage garage owned by the Clifton Springs Garage, located just west of the mill. The fire's location in a congested area, combined with favorable weather conditions and the prompt, efficient response of the firefighters, prevented a more catastrophic loss. Following the death of Mr. Cox several years prior, the mill had been operated by Howard Bloodgood until its closure the previous summer. The mill was owned by Mrs. Cox and was not insured. In 1957, a building was constructed on the site of the flour mill to house apparatus for the Clifton Springs Fire Department. This building served as the department's home until the new fire station was built in 2001 on Kendall Street.
R.Eider
