Freedom House Fire

Tragedy struck Freedom House on the night of January 31, 1960, when a fire destroyed the main building. The goal to get Freedom House back in operation as soon as possible was quickly accomplished by an all-out rebuilding campaign. Mayor Collins was the first to “buy a brick” to help in this effort. A new entryway was added when the building was rebuilt, and the re-dedication was held in January 1961.

Fire damage to Freedom House building, 14 Crawford Street.
Addition to Freedom House building, 14 Crawford Street.
Shwachman, Irene