National Ticket’s Fire and a New Factory Plan

In February 1942, fire struck National Ticket at Pearl and Webster streets. The account described a workplace of about 40 employees and firefighting that extended from roughly two in the morning to ten. Equipment and floors suffered damage, while the condition of business records remained uncertain.

The initial report did not settle the cause. Nor does the fact that the fire occurred during World War II establish wartime contracts or production. What the account clearly describes is an industrial workplace facing a major interruption.

In September 1950, news turned toward construction at Willow and Franklin streets. A proposed building measured 260 by 60 feet, with Korbich identified as contractor and Edwin Smith as architect. The report expressed hope for a move within two weeks. That was a timetable, not confirmation of a completed move. The two episodes show disruption and planning without filling the intervening years with assumptions.