Flames and smoke poured from the L.R. Cooke Chevrolet Co. at 180 East High Street on Jan. 21, 1947. The large garage of the dealership was destroyed by fire, which caused an estimated $300,000 in damage, including the loss of 30 to 40 privately owned automobiles left at the garage for repair. It was thought that the fire resulted from an explosion of a gasoline tank on a truck that was being repaired at the rear of the building. Six companies of the Lexington Fire Department fought the flames, fanned by a southwest wind, in 15-degree weather for almost two hours before bringing the blaze under control. 180 East High Street is now an empty lot, across Lexington Avenue from the post office. Photo by John C. Wyatt | Staff