Wilmington firefighters quickly put out a fire Thursday morning at the historic University and Whist Club.
Firefighters on the “C” platoon were first called to the 1100 block of North Heald Street. The fire was contained to the first floor with only minor damage to the second floor. The neighboring property experienced minor smoke damage.
Shortly after the Heald Street fire, firefighters were dispatched to the University and Whist Club. The fire was found at the loading dock and storage area attached to the rear of the social club. Units quickly controlled the fire and prevented the fire from going into the main building. However, the main building did receive minor smoke damage.
In a statement on its Facebook page, club president Douglas Hershman confirmed the fire was minor. Other than lunch service, operations at the club were not affected, he reported.
There were no civilian or firefighter injuries reported in either fire, the department reported. The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of both fires, and the investigations are active and ongoing at this time.
The landmark building on Broom Street that houses the club sits on a hillside location that according to local lore was once mentioned as a site for the U.S. Capitol. Dr. James Tilton, a Revolutionary War hero, lived in the home.
Other families resided in the home, which was expanded. In 1935, a duPont family member saved the building. It went on to become the home of the club.
The name Whist refers to a card game.
