On Saturday, July 6, 1901, at 1:00 p.m., fire broke out in the cupola of the abandoned Sheffel mill, a three-story frame structure on the west edge of Versailles's business district. Driven by a 30 mile an hour west wind, the flames raged out of control for nearly four hours and destroyed six business blocks and 38 homes. The cause was never determined. No one was killed, but many injuries were reported. Coming just two days after the village had celebrated the opening of a new electric light and water works plant during Fourth of July festivities, the disaster seemed likely to ruin Versailles for years, especially because many who suffered losses had no insurance. Yet the town's spirit endured. Burned out property owners quickly declared their intention to rebuild, and they began at once to put up more modern structures with particular attention to fireproofing. In the weeks after the fire, many businessmen moved into temporary quarters or operated from their homes while awaiting new construction, and by April 1902 newspapers were proclaiming, "The New Versailles!"