The Fire
She’ll be sorely missed, but not forgotten
In the evening of April 13th, 2022, the first call went out to the Fire Department about a fire at the Schoolhouse. Flames were very high by the time the first fire truck arrived and units began trucking water in from nearby Crosby and Seabeck. There was no chance to save the Schoolhouse so the fire was fought as a defensive fire to avoid spread.
The fire was so hot the copper pipes to the oil heater and the bell melted. Nothing was saved of the grand old Schoolhouse.
The Fire Marshall is still conducting his investigation but arson has been initially ruled out.
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Photos & Media
Condolences & Tributes
As news of the fire spread through the community and afar, many shared their condolences, thoughts and tributes.
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Post-Fire Roses
I stopped by the Schoolhouse shortly after the fire and found roses placed upon its steps. I snapped some photos of the fire damage too.
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Aaberg-Johnson Wedding & Memories
I’m Arlen and Linda Johnson’s daughter, long-time members of the community who moved a few years ago. The news of the fire was devastating to us all. Holly, the community members, and the schoolhouse are special to all of us, but especially to Mom and Arlen. We had many weddings and family events at the…
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A Memory from Brandon Elsey
Saddened that this beautiful building is now gone. This is somewhere I enjoyed seeing and visiting every time I went to Holly. My grandparents had the key to the building and would take us there. A big rope came down from the ceiling going up to a bell house and they would let my brother…
Memories
A myriad of experiences were shared at this beautiful space. We’ve collected and shared as many as we can on our website, and below is a small sample. Make sure to check out more of them on the our dedicated memories page.
Looking Forward
The schoolhouse will be rebuilt! Find announcements, and progress updates, all right here.
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Schoolhouse Bell Found!
Like Phoenix rising from the ashes we have a bit of good news. In October 2022 Nick Wise combed through the burned out debris of the Schoolhouse site to look for the bell and he found it! It is steel and very heavy, weighing about 200 pounds and is missing the clapper. When…
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Electrical Arcing Caused Fire
The Fire Marshal’s investigation has determined the cause of the fire that broke out on April 13th, 2022 which tragically engulfed the Holly Schoolhouse. Electrical arcing on the north exterior side of the building near the meter box was found to be the cause. Assistant Fire Marshal Tina Turner wrote to the Kitsap Sun explaining…
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Insurance Update 5/13/22
Vice President Vickie Napora is our point person for our insurance claim. She has worked 43 years as an insurance underwriter, product development specialist and underwriting manager and is well qualified to be our point person! We are very grateful for her expertise. The Fire Marshall is still investigating the cause of the fire, and…
In The News
Several local media organizations provided coverage of the fire which can be found below:
- Kitsap Sun: ‘It was a treasure:’ Residents mourn the 100-year-old Holly Community Club, destroyed by fire
- Komo 4: Massive fire guts beloved Holly Community Club, built 100 years ago, in Kitsap County
- King 5: Fire engulfs community club in rural part of southwest Kitsap County
- Kiro 7: Fire engulfs, destroys community club in Seabeck
- Q13: Fire destroys Seabeck community club
More content coming soon