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Ruins of the Vt. Milk Chocolate Co's plant, Burlington, Vt., burned April 25, 1918


"The fire was the result of an internal explosion which killed 2 men. The city of Burlington and local merchants banded together to help rebuild this business with help from outside also. The employees were paid their weeks wage , though the fire happened on a Thursday with extra kicked in to cover loss of personal items . Local employers offered them work until the factory was rebuilt and running, which it was. The plant was rebuilt and in 1919 , there was a strike there when wages were cut. In 1923, the plant closed after the market collapsed . The Vermont shareholders finally wrestled the control of the company from the Mass parent firm and formed the Vermont Milk Chocolate factory , re-opening the plant late 20's operating until 1939. They also leased space to other companies, among them the Everpure Ice Company , whom they took to court to take possession of assets after that company folded in the 1930's. In 1949, the company was liquidated after ceasing operations in 1939. The company was located at 208 Flynn ( then Park) Avenue, across from the VT Structural Steel Company."

Vermont Memories - Burlington and Beyond
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