Notes for: Florence Lizzie DURKEE

FLORENCE LIZZIE DURKEE (1872-1934)

Florence went to the Nichols Academy.

On 03 Jun 1890 when the First Congregational Church on Dudley Hill was being repaired, sparks from the tinsmith's stoves ignited the shingles on the roof. Two Nichols Academy students discovered the fire, one of which was Florence Durkee, who were going to the well house for water. A bucket brigade was formed, fire extinguishers used and a call for help was telegraphed to the Webster Fire Dept. from the Academy office. The fire department made a record run (twenty minutes) but they were hindered at the fire by a lack of water and a very high wind. It became evident that the entire building was doomed. The Academy bell and the church bell were rung furiously, the latter until the rope burned off. The person who rang the church bell was Florence Durkee who told the story to her daughter Barbara.

Florence died of Cancer.