After fire, Houghton Farm Supply's future unknown; cleanup continues

PIERREPONT MANOR — Employees of Houghton Farm Supply worked Thursday to remove smoldering grains from a four-compartment storage tower on company property in the aftermath of the blaze early Wednesday that has crippled a significant portion of the business.

The company's store was open Wednesday and Thursday, but employees were unable to address questions about the loss or plans for the future. The owner, Ann Houghton, Lacona, is a teacher in the Sandy Creek Central School District and was unavailable for comment.

Volunteer firefighters stood by Thursday to douse occasional rekindles and wash down hot grain as it was drained from the tower.

The on-scene investigation ended Wednesday evening with no determination made regarding the cause of the blaze, said Joseph D. Plummer, Jefferson County director of fire and emergency management. He met Thursday morning at his office with the investigation team as various options were discussed.

Wednesday's blaze was the second in the 49-year history of Houghton Farm Supply. Another early-morning fire that struck on Oct. 2, 1964, also involved a large feed storage facility. That fire broke out hours after a small fire in motor wiring had been extinguished.

The company has carried the Houghton name since 1960, when Basil Houghton of Parish began conducting the business. Upon his retirement, operation was assumed by his son, Allen H. Houghton.

Basil Houghton died in May 1997. When Allen Houghton died May 21, 2008, his widow, Ann, assumed ownership. She delegated management responsibilities to four of the company's 16 employees.