Burned When Cleaning Fluid Is Ignited

RANDOLPH, MITCHELL, MCDOWELL

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 10/28/2016 at 17:35:52

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Jan. 17, 1944

BURNED WHEN
Bernita Randolph, toll operator in the telephone office, was very seriously burned Friday noon when fumes from some cleaning fluid became ignited from a gasoline stove. Miss Randolph sustained burns all over her body, ranging in severity from third to second degree. She is at the Community Hospital where she is reported as resting as easily as can be expected although her condition is admittedly critical.

Miss Randolph has been occupying a room in the former H.W. Spaulding residence on Main street with two other telephone operators, Viola Mitchell and Vera McDowell. When the flames from the cleaning fluid ignited her clothing Miss Mitchell, who was with her beat out the flames, incurring severe burns on her hands in the process.

The interior of the room was badly damaged before the flames were extinguished.

Miss Randolph's condition this morning was reported as encouraging.