Massive fire at Karpeles Manuscript Library in Compton Heights

[Sherman A1]

ST. LOUIS - Several St. Louis firetrucks responded to a large fire Tuesday evening at a library and museum across from Compton Hill Reservoir Park in south city.

Firefighters got the call around 7 p.m. Heavy flames and smoke poured from the back of Karpeles Manuscript Library on Russell Boulevard.

Approximately 80 firefighters were on scene, with other units on standby. Firefighters were evacuated from the building by 7:45 p.m. and part of the roof collapsed. Fire companies then took up defensive positions around the library.

The library houses priceless historical documents, such as the proclamation of France's approval of the Louisiana Purchase, the Great Soulard Discovery Map used by explorers Lewis and Clark, and the city of St. Louis' application for a baseball team with the National League. At present, the museum housed a collection on the history of Cuba.

https://fox2now.com/2019/03/26/large-fire-at-karpeles-manuscript-library-in-compton-heights/?

[Dennis Donovan]

1. Aw christ!

I hope such documents are held in a fireproof area!

[Leghorn21]

2. Hoping for the best, those ancient things are so precious

[honest.abe]

3. Apparently they were able to put the fire out with no loss of the collection

Firefighters help carry items out of Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum following a latge fire. Officials with the museum say there was little to no loss and minimal water damage to items. Full story on @stltoday reported by @RachelDRice

https://mobile.twitter.com/ColterP_Photo/status/1110757752836632576

Thank goodness! Kudos to the StL fire dept!

[marble falls]

4. As totaled as the building looks in the photos, thats amazing!

[honest.abe]

5. Indeed.

Its funny, I grew up near St Louis but I have never heard of this place. It sounds quite remarkable with some incredibly rare historical documents.