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On November 14, 1905, Urbana suffered a $25,000 fire. It was the most destructive ever experienced in Urbana. There were 13 buildings consumed. The fire started in L. A. Kelty’s implement store at 1:00 p.m. and when discovered was beyond control. The flames were fanned by a strong south wind which, fortunately, blew them away from the business part of town. The "bucket brigade" saved the town from total destruction.
In the business part of town three buildings owned by Cone Bros. of Minnesota were destroyed, two of them being occupied by L. A. Kelty’s implement store. Adjoining on the east were the Post Office, S. W. Whiteis building, Urbana Savings Bank, and Henry Van de Venter’s barber shop and residence. These buildings, also, were destroyed.
On the north Mr. Whiteis’ blacksmith shop, occupied by P. E. Lane, and four private barns were burned. Two were owned by J. D. Burrell. J. D. Burrell also lost a residence occupied by Ed Brody.
Household goods, post office materials, and bank contents were saved. Van de Venter’s was saved for the greater part but little of Mr. Kelty’s stock was saved.
Urbana called Shellsburg and Center Point fire companies, but before they could get to Urbana the fire was under control. From the ashes residents rebuilt Urbana.
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