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Seneca Grade and Junior High School burns in the early hours of March 10, 2007.  Fireman were called out about 2:00 am. All the old part  of the school burned except the new editions on the west. The pictures in top row were  taken by Dani Rethman from early in the fire to the time they had it under control. The picture in the bottom row were take about 6;00 am by myself after the fire had done it's damage. I would think there was a lot of steam in the white cloud from the water that was being sprayed on the hot remains. This must have been very freighting for those whose houses were near and in  danger. There were many children in the vicinity that morning and many of them were crying. It was a very sad day for many as it was like loosing a good friend.  I was only 11 years old when the school had been built in 1938 and it seemed like a such a part of our community. It was very fortunate it was not windy day which could have made the fire spread. The firemen did a very fine job and we must be grateful for their dedication. We are fortunate we live in a very good community where there are many who do all they can for their neighbors. This is a very special community where very few will every try to take advantage of anyone and join in good for the good of all. Centralia and Bern Fire Department  was on hand also Sabetha were called however they were called back and told not to come  as the fire had  been contained. .We must thank God that no one lost their life or were hurt. This had showed what a good community we live in here in Seneca.  The teachers and students no doubt lost many items they loved.  We will now in time have new school  and our pain will make us stronger. Many of us older people attended New Years Dances and the Fireman's Ball Dances here in days gone by. Some of us saw the Harlem Globe Trotters play basket ball here in the 40s and Shortly Boeding officiate. Shortly was so called because he was  no more than five foot tall or less and the tall basketball player towered over him and the players and Shortly  put on a good  show. We have many fond memories of this building. We will always love thing we have fond memories of and this is what make us so sad to see them destroyed.   Click here to put the fire out Return to Home Page   by Ken Stallbaumer