KEUKELNICK, Louise - Putnam

Greencastle, Ind Dec 21 – A woman was burned to death, three persons suffered serious injuries and 30 others escaped uninjured in their night clothing as fire swept the Crawford Hotel in Greencastle early today.  Several persons were rescued from windows by firemen.  Mrs. Louis Keukelnick, 40 of Mishawaka died in the fire.  The injured all of Greencastle are Miss Sally Hirt, 66, broke hip and burns; Roy Scott 30 and George Gibson, 68 suffered burns and shock.  Firemen estimated the damage at $10,000.  They said the fire probably resulted from an overheated stove in the hotel laundry directly beneath the room occupied by Mrs. Keukelinck.  The hotel was filled to capacity for the first time in several months.  Few of those who fled were able to save personal belongings.  They were given shelter in Greencastle homes.  Below freezing temperature caused considerable suffering to those forced to leave so hastily they had no time to dress.  The hotel, an old structure, had no outside means of escape, the stairway leading from the second to the first floor being the only path to safety. – kbz

Mrs. Louis C. Keukelinck who died in the Greencastle Ind Hotel fire today was born July 16, 1887 in St. Jan Stee, Holland and went to Mishawaka 26 years ago from Holland.  As Miss Louise Peeters she was married April 24, 1915 in that city to Mr. Keuklinck who survives. Surviving also are four brothers: Petrus Peeters of Simpson, Mon and Louis, Camiel and Cyriel Peeters of Holland; a sister, Mrs. Tryphon Laclyse, Mishawaka and four half brothers and two sisters of Holland.  The body may be viewed in the residence until the funeral there at 10 a.m. Thursday.  The rosary will be recited for Mrs. Keukelnick at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the residence, 403 South Wells Street, Mishawaka.  – kbz