A fire that gutted the historic Halstead Building in downtown Victorville, Calif., threatened the nearby California Route 66 Museum on Friday morning, reported the Daily Press.
Scores of firefighters were able to beat back the blaze from damaging the museum. But the Halstead Building was a total loss.
The Halstead Building was home to the first bank in Victorville and was built in 1917 by the Southwest Portland Cement company.
“They did it to prove there was use for concrete other than for streets and sidewalks,” Kirk said. “It’s a real shame.” […]
The loss will be tremendous because the historical building houses five businesses and was full of antiques, Tracey Martinez, spokeswoman for San Bernardino County fire, said. Martinez estimated the loss to be in the millions.
Arson is suspected.