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Flames Destroy
Central High School Interior in 1932
Fire of unknown origin
destroyed Mooresville's high school building in 1932. About 4:30pm
smoke was seen coming from the attic over the third floor, moving
quickly through the rooms and corridors. Firemen responded quickly
with three streams of water attacking the flames.
The construction of the
building and the brick partitions prevented firemen from getting
their hoses to the source of the fire. Fire spread throughout the
building, breaking though the windows over the stage and main
auditorium on the third floor. Mayor Con Johnston called the
Statesville Fire Department for assistance.
The entire third floor
and all equipment were totally burned. In several places the
flooring on the second floor was ignited, but put under control
quickly. After 4.5 hours, the fire was out, leaving an
interior destroyed by fire and water damage and the brick exterior
walls intact.
Many items were saved
from the first and second floors, including school records, books,
furniture and equipment. Mooresville Public Library books stored in
the building were lost to the flames.
The school board met and
made a plan to send high school students to Park View School and
elementary students to South School on a split schedule. Only one
day of school was lost as a result of the fire.
With the state
engineer's approval, the building was rebuilt using the brick walls
and partitions from the original structure. A large auditorium was
added, along with additional classrooms and laboratories.
Many items were saved
from the first and second floors, including school records, books,
furniture and equipment. Mooresville Public Library books stored in
the building were lost to the flames.
 The
school board met and made a plan to send high school students to
Park View School and elementary students to South School on a split
schedule. Only one day of school was lost as a result of the fire.
With the state
engineer's approval, the building was rebuilt using the brick walls
and partitions from the original structure. A large auditorium was
added, along with additional classrooms and laboratories.
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