Another old Industry has been found that went the way of most industries in Conneautville, Destroyed by fire, but this one took two more Industries with it. Located south of the Borough on Water (Main St.) on the west side of the street in the present 1600 block. Yes this is where the Erie Extension Canal flowed, but it was closed in the 1880's and was partially filled in. The railroad had laid their track on the tow path and sometimes the now dry bed of the canal.

The year was 1895 in the early afternoon when the P.S. & L.E. train passed by with heavy freight cars and their track was very close to the building. The theory was that sparks from the train ignited the dry grass which spread to the ancient frame building. Recognized as a landmark in the community, it had been one of the leading industries furnishing employment to a large force of workmen. The late Fred M. Robinson had been in charge of the foundry until his health failed, thus the industry had been idle for a dozen years until only two months prior to the fire, H. A. Smith & Co with Charles W. Reniff as manager, rented the works and bought the machinery The business was already exceeding expectations.

Next to the foundry was a two story frame building formerly used as an office for the foundry, but was occupied by E. C. Martzell as a harness shop. Beyond this, separated by only a few feet was another large two story frame building occupied by H. A. Smith & Co, machinists. Even though the lighter machinery had been removed to the street, it was destroyed by the intense heat as was the rail fence across the Street.

The firemen were praised their rapid response to the alarm. One problem occurred when the fire engine, placed in position on the bank of Conneaut Creek and as was the custom, W. L. McGuire the first on the scene with a team of horses, was given the job of running the pumper. Before they could get started, the creek bank caved off letting one of Mr. McGuire's horses into the water causing a delay of several minutes.

The delay was of no consequence however, as all the apparatus in the County would have been powerless in quenching the flames which licked up the three buildings in quick succession. So quick that only minutes after the alarm was given, the frame had fallen in.