SANFORD — It was a warm summer night like any other, but  just before 7 p.m. rolled around on June 23, a symbol of Sanford’s textile history went up in flames.

One of Sanford’s long-vacant textile factories, in the heart of the mill district and surrounded by residential neighborhoods,  was on fire.

Ashes and debris from the rear tower of the massive mill structure at 13 River Street rained over neighborhoods. Firefighters  from near and far — 26 departments in all, sprayed 7 million gallons of water on the concrete structure throughout the night.

People from throughout the city gathered downtown to watch firefighters fight the blaze in the building that while long vacant, was part of the culture  of those born and raised in the community — they or their parents may not have worked there, but chances are, their grandparents toiled there or in one of the other Goodall mills.

The good news is that no one was injured.

Three boys, aged 12 and 13 at the time, were charged with arson in connection with the blaze.  Each of the boys admitted to a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief and were sentenced to one ear probation. The felony arson charges against each of them will be reviewed early this year.

The city is awaiting word on whether the federal Environmental Protection Agency will take part in demolition. Meanwhile, the shell of the rear tower remains standing. Demolition costs have been pegged any anywhere from $1 million to $2 million.

City records continue to list the owner as Gateway Properties, LLC, a corporation listed as dissolved by the state Bureau of Corporations. Jonathan Morse, who had owned Gateway Properties, LLC, is listed as living in Reno, Nevada. Property taxes have not been paid on the 6.8 acre parcel for many years. 

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.