18
Finally, the frames of matches are placed on heated and ventilated racks so that the chemical paste dries. Once dry, the matches are taken off the frames and packed in boxes.
19
FIRE!
On June 13th, 1875, fire broke out in one of the boiler rooms of the church-factory. The blaze rapidly spread to the entire building and the factory was completely destroyed. The losses amounting to $15 000 caused Fréchette to go bankrupt. His properties were handed over to the local authorities so they could be auctioned. The company existing between the parties was dissolved on May 22nd, 1876. That same year, Batiscan lost its residing parish priest. Wenceslas Théophilas Fréchette retired at the Asile Champêtre in Montreal, where he passed away on December 20th, 1888 at the age of 77.
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