Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Grace Kirchner Nine area fire departments responded to a fire in Carver Wood Products in Marion on Saturday. The Clintonville Fire Department responded with the aerial truck. The historical building is a total loss.
Fire tore through a Marion business early Saturday, destroying the building, according to the Marion Area Fire Department.
Authorities were called to Carver Wood Products, 350 SE Second St., for a structure fire with flames showing at 7 a.m., the fire department said. The fire is believed to have started on the southeast corner of the property.
“The structure is deemed a complete loss and the cause is under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office,” Fire Chief Joseph Stuhr said.
The firm, Marion's oldest industry, is owned by Jim Jueds, who could not be reached for comment.
“This is a part of history that was built in the 1800s,” said Robert Eggleston, a retired industrial arts teacher in the Marion School District. He said he had been in the building in the past and there would be sawdust, lacquer and dry wood inside that would burn easily.
Patricia Adams, who has worked at Carver Wood Products for 39 years stood by as she watched the buildings go up in smoke.
“I have worked in shipping, receiving, production, the office, and in every department,” she said.
Carver Wood Products manufactured office accessories, such as enclosed wall files, binder and book racks, paper/memo trays, pen and pencil cups, wastebaskets, calendar bases and more.
According to the company's website, "For over 100 years, Carver Wood Products has championed a tradition of quality in the art of fine woodworking. Our premium office accessories are built with strict attention to detail-100% select quality hardwoods, Carver´s distinctive lock-corner construction and individually hand-rubbed finishes."
Nine area fire departments responded to the call. The demand for water exceeded the capacity of the city wells. When the capacity became critical, it required trucks to shuttle water to the scene from the Marion pond.
Departments assisting the Marion firefighters at the scene included Clintonville, Grant, Pella, Tigerton, Bear Creek, Manawa, Embarrass and Bowler, along with Clintonville Area Ambulance Service, Marion Police Department and the Waupaca County Sheriff's Department.