House Struck by Lightning Burns

This story was published by The Ypsilanti Daily Press on Wednesday, March 23, 1938. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Brace and infant son, located at the corner of Bemis and Crane Roads burned to the ground about 11:30 Tuesday night after it had been struck by lightning. Loss which was estimated at $2,000 was not covered by insurance. Mr. and Mrs. Grace and son were visiting at the home of her patents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Estermeyer, Ypsilanti, when the tragedy occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Victor Grace, who live east of the Albert Grace home, heard the bolt and travelled three miles to report the fire as telephone wires in that area had been affected by the storm. The house had been a street car which had been converted into living quarters. Neighbors and a group of people at at party at the Oaklawn School rushed to the fire but were too late to save the building or its contents. The pet dag, “Babe” and four pigs in a pen at the north of the house were saved. Mr. Mrs. Grace are staying at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Estermeyer at present. They may rebuild in the summer.