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Appreciation rekindled for aid in 1924 area fire By DAWN SLADE Going through old files and paperwork left behind by his parents, Dale Atkinson, of Brooklyn Park, found a list of 545 names of people in the Milaca area who once helped his family rebuild their lives. It was Jan. 28, 1924 when a fire ripped through his parentís home southwest of Milaca. His mother and father, Roy and Wilma Atkinson, were in the chicken coop, which was a distance from the home, when the fire broke out. By the time they realized there was a fire, it was too late and they were unable to get in and save their three children - Robert, age 3; Mary, age two; Howard, 10 months; and Royís father Robert. The fire was considered an accident. Robert Atkinson, 77, was attending to the fire in his upstairs bedroom and since he often used kerosene oil to light the fire, it is believed an explosion occurred while he was lighting the fire. Dale, who is now 71, was born seven years after the fire. He and his siblings, Clinton, Wayne and Jean, were unaware there had ever been a fire or that they had lost two brothers and a sister until they became teenagers. "The four of us children who followed became aware of the fire in our teens, but with respect to us and our parents, the people in the community never mentioned it," Dale said. Once he learned about the tragedy, Dale said it explained his motherís bouts with depression. "It all made sense then," he added. Dale said he and his wife Shirley were intrigued by the list of names and the actual signatures of those people who donated money to his family. Donations ranged from 50 cents to $20, with several $5 and $10 donations, which in 1924 was quite the generous donation. Though the fire happened nearly 80 years ago, Dale is still overwhelmed by the communityís generosity. "The community wasnít that large back then, so to get 545 donations from people and businesses is amazing," he said. "Day to day living was difficult for everyone during that time frame, so a donation of any amount was significant." Wanting the descendants of the donors to have an opportunity to see the list of their grandparentsí (or great-grandparentsí) signatures, Dale has given a copy of the list to the Milaca Public Library to keep on display. "The people on the lists are gone, but their last names are still prevalent in the county. Their descendants should feel proud of what they did for our parents at a very devastating time in their lives and the consideration given to the children that followed," Dale added. Names on the list include individuals and businesses from Milaca, Princeton, Pease, Milo Township and surrounding communities. Milaca Fire Department The Milaca Fire Department had been in operation for nearly 30 years before the Atkinson fire. In the late 1800s, there were several fires in the area, including the famous "Great Hinckley Fire" in 1894. But Milaca didnít have a fire department. Insurance companies started cancelling policies to customers who lived in those villages and towns that didnít have fire departments. Editorials followed in the Times, calling for the need to have a fire department and a central waterworks system for the town of Milaca. Finally, in August, 1896, a meeting was held to organize a new fire department. Shortly after, the Milaca Fire Department (then named Milaca Fire Company No. 1) became official Sept. 26, 1896. "The Milaca Fire Department crew were some of the first on the scene," Dale said of the fire at his parentsí home. "Give support to your local fire and police departments," he added. Thankful for what the community did for his family, Dale said, "This was a godsend for our parents, giving them a chance to start rebuilding a house and replacing their clothing and goods. "Americans always seem to respond in times of great tragedy." Editorís Note: The list of 545 signatures of individuals and businesses is located at the Milaca Public Library for viewing.
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