A fire in October of 1909 destroyed as many as sixteen business buildings in downtown Plainville, along with the opera hall.  The fire destroyed buildings on both sides of Mill Street, leaving only the stone walls of what is now the True Value Hardware store, the design office of Dessin Fournir Cos. at the west end of the block, and one wall in the middle of the block. 

 

Both bookend walls have been carefully restored to their original condition.  The picture shows the wall at True Value during restoration work.

 

Damage estimates of the time showed over $45,000 in damage of which only $19,600 was covered by insurance.