Article taken from the Lancaster Daily Gazette, January 8, 1929
(Union School photo courtesy of Portsmouth Public Library)
http://www.portsmouth.lib.oh.us/localhistory.cfm
The Union School Building here was practically destroyed by fire early today.
Damage was estimated at $135,000. The school was one of the oldest structures in the city. It contained 16 rooms and had an enrollment of 500 pupils.
The blaze apparently started in the center of the building and burned through to the roof.
One fireman, Basil Staten, was injured when the roof collapsed.
Firemen had difficulty in fighting the blaze, due to the intense cold and frozen water plugs.