Cecil Riley

Cecil Riley

The following newspaper article, hand-dated as being from the June 12, 1954, Star, was found in a scrapbook owned by Town Historian Richard Schmal:

Fire Damages Home of Cecil Rileys on Farm at Palmer

Extensive damage was done to the George Melcher farm house when fire broke out in a bedroom about 8:30 Friday evening. The farm, occupied by the Cecil M. Riley family, is located about one and a half miles west of Palmer.

The fire, which started in the bedroom, had spread to the basement when the fire department began its intensive work to save the house. Heat and smoke damage was general throughout but damage was heaviest in the bedroom and basement.

The Rileys have six children: Rebecca 13, Dick 12, Jim 11, John 10, Carol Sue 6, and Jerry Allen, who was born 4 days after the fire. The baby clothes were completely demolished along with other clothing and furniture.

The Rileys are living at present at the home of Jerry Riley.

Friends of the Rileys are giving a benefit party for them Friday evening at the Palmer school house.

---

Last updated on December 22, 2006.

Return to Biographies.