Last week the Scott County History Blog profiled the National Youth Administration Camp that was located outside of Shakopee in the late 1930s and early 1940s. With hundreds of young people living in one place, the camp was bound to be a hotbed of stories and misadventures. One incident in particular was profiled in the Shakopee Argus-Tribune on February 27th, 1941. Two days before the camp had been hit by a massive fire. The Argus-Tribune reported the basics of the fire, but allowed the bulk of the story to be told through a letter that “Ted”, a camp enrollee wrote home to his parents:
“Dear Mom and Dad:
“I know you’ve read all about it so there probably isn’t much left for me to tell.
“I was in bed when the siren blew, for the fire was discovered after lights-out. Nevertheless, I managed to be one of the first ones there., We used our hand extinguishers until enough fellows came to form a bucket brigade, but we knew it was out of control. While the fellows kept fighting some of us tried to salvage our tools and equipment until the heat became unbearable. You cam imagine our relief when the Shakopee Fire Department arrived, but our hopes were short lived, for the tanks of welding gas began to explode and it was impossible to stay. Chaska and Jordan also arrived with their equipment and we were able to pump water from the river yet the most we could do was keep the flames from the hanger and other buildings nearby. While we worked, we saw our welding shop go; practically helpless we watched the flames roar through the machine shop; we stood b as the firemen battled them through auto mechanics, where the fire was finally brought under control leaving but one wall standing.
“If you could have seen it in the morning; where the machine shop had stood, only the scarred heavy metal lathes, grinders, shapers and milling machines remain. Two twisted cars and a wall are all that is left of the auto shop. Except for a few torn takes which held the welding gas, nearly everything is ashes.
“Of course we all felt pretty bad but words of encouragement began to lea from Cap Whelan’s office. Later at a meeting we learned that new machines and equipment were to be shipped immediately. We were also happy to hear that we have been offered equipment and shops by the businessmen of Shakopee to be used until our courses are reestablished.
” Fortunately our new welding unit was still in the storeroom, so it will be installed in a new larger shop
” Since the aviation classes can be held in Minneapolis, the auto mechanics and body and fender courses will be setup in the large space which was the hanger. Sheet metal drafting and blue print reading will be taught here at the project, while the actual work experience will be gained, for the time being, in a shop at Shakopee
“The people of Shakopee have been really swell. It seems that nearly everyone has tried to help. Besides the businessmen’s generous offers, we are are grateful to Chief Ring and his volunteer fire department
“I know you’ve all been worried. You’ll be glad to hear there were no serious accidents, a few boys were scratched and our caretaker, Pat Hardegan was struck below the knee by a piece of tank when it exploded.
“Well, we’re all happy that things have turned out so well, and that everything will soon go on as usual
“Don’t bother to write, for I have my leave to come home for the weekend
Your loving son, Ted”
Notes from Scott County History 