Court House Annex Burns - 1961

The Steamboat Pilot - May 4, 1961

A fire early this morning swept through the Routt County Annex building destroying all but the outer walls.

The fire was believed to have started about 3:30 a.m. in the back part of the Elk River candle factory, Chief Ross Kelly said. At press time flames and smoke were still pouring from the building due to the second story roof burning.

County Commissioner Andrew McDermott said the building was insured for $39,000 and that there was some insurance on the contents.

The County has three offices located in the annex, the County Welfare, County Nurse and County Agent. The State has a tax office, forest office and water office.

Also located in the building is the Federal ASC office. The only private business located in the building was the Elk River Candle company. Jim Ball owner, said he had some insurance to cover damage to the inventory.

Fire and smoke damaged two county trucks that were parked in the rear of the building. A large loader and digger was taken out before any damage was done. One truck, a fire truck and tractor could not be removed.

The fire was discovered when the phone of the Elk River Candle company was disconnected, and the operator called the night policeman Larry Vanatta to investigate.

The building was originally built by Archie and George Wither in 1907 as a general merchandise store. In the 1930's the county purchased the building and it has been used as an office building since then.

The volunteer fire department along with numerous others were still pouring water into the building to try to put out the fire between floors.

The county offices that were in the building will be relocated for the time being in other office space.

The Steamboat Pilot - May 11, 1961

The court house annex is gone. By mid-afternoon last Thursday the only thing standing was part of the outer walls. The fire that started early Thursday morning could not be controlled and it gradually swept through the entire building. All of the federal, state and county offices have been relocated in office space in Steamboat and are back on the job.

The Routt County ASC office has been equipped and is ready for business in the office space formerly occupied by Dr. Wilbur Rule, at 924 Lincoln Avenue, manager Betty Marr said.

Since practically all records were destroyed in the fire work of the office is necessarily slowed. Orders have peen placed for duplicate aerial photos and measuring of wheat acreages will start immediately on receipt of the photos. Meanwhile the office personnel will greatly appreciate it if farmers will be patient and not call the office about measurements.

All papers pertaining to the 1960 wool incentive payments were salvaged from the safe, and these payments will be made at the usual time during the summer, Mrs. Marr said. Applications for the 1961 wool incentive payment will be accepted at the office beginning next week.

All persons who signed up for any ACP work for the 1961 program will have to re-sign for their practices. No records were saved from the ACP files. The office is in receipt of a small supply of forms for this program and is ready to accept sign up.

As fast as possible the office will get into the usual routine, and will be ready to serve the county farmers as in the past. County Chairman Kelly Klumker has stated that the county committee is sure that the office can count on full cooperation of all farmers in this emergency.

Located on the second floor of the Maxwell building will be the offices of the State Forester Oscar Schmunk; County Nurse Lola King; County Agent Bob Hamill and Water Engineer Wes Signs.

Lola King said that a lot of her records were duplicated with the state health department so that this will aid in getting the county health program going again.

The County Welfare office will be located in the Hubbard Apartments behind the Enco Service Station across from the Harbor Hotel. The Welfare office is located at the east end of the building.

Director Dorthy Todd said that old age pension checks will be mailed as usual on the 20th. Some of the records were saved which will aid in getting the office running smoothly she said. All phone numbers will stay the same for all offices.

The County Agents office is back in operation and will make an all out effort to keep their projects rolling, Haniill said.

Tom Williamson, district director of the State Revenue department will have his office in the Ed Root Building.

The County Commissioners have indicated that they would like to start construction of a new annex on the lot north of the courthouse.

County equipment has been working this week to finish knocking down the debris. The county plans to clear this corner of all rubble. No plans have been made as to future use of the land.