The Globe-Democrat reported on the new Military Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. The commander said the building was constructed in such a way that water used to fight any fire would not harm the vital records. The documents were all burned or destroyed by water a few years later.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Adobe Stock photo