Bio: Drymiller, Gerald (Barn fire – 31 Mar 1966)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Drymiller

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 07 Apr 1966

Fire destroyed a 120-foot dairy barn, two cows and three calves, and a full line of farm machinery on Thursday afternoon at the Gerald Drymiller farm near Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.).

The blaze was set off when Drymiller was dumping gas into his tractor, which was stalled inside the barn, and the container broke a light bulb.

The small explosion caused Drymiller's overall pants to begin burning, however, a milk hauler from Withee helped extinguish the flames before the man's legs could be burned.

Drymiller and the milk hauler chased the 30 cows from the barn, then were able to put out the fire on the first floor section. They were unaware of the flames which had developed in the hay mow.

Three heifers were destroyed and two milk cows were badly injured and had to be killed, Drymiller said.

The machinery lost included two tractors, manure spreader, combine, bailer, chopper, blower, seeder, hay conditioner, mower, bulk tank, sprayer, hay hoist, engine, and other small tools.

Drymiller, who began farming three years ago, could not give an estimate of the loss. He said he carries insurance.