It was 57 years ago, January 29th that fire of unknown origin destroyed the two story framed Post Building at 96 Main Street.  The building, owned by Mrs. Marie Post of Peekskill, housed the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, better known as the A&P, W.J. Owens' antique shop and two apartments.  The fire was discovered by tenant Frank Basso, at 1:35 am.  The Cold Spring Fire Company No.1 responded under the leadership of Captain John Merante and found the blaze had gained considerable headway upon their arrival.  Fire Companies from Nelsonville, Garrison and Lewis Tompkins Hose from the City of Beacon were called to assist as smoke billowed from the building situated in the center of the Village's Main Street businesses. The firefighters who were handicapped by the 14 degree above zero temperatures, worked valiantly and tirelessly for nearly five hours to bring the fire, that threaten the entire block, under control.  Cold Spring remained on the scene until 2pm and returned on January 30th to extinguish rekindling debris. 

Throughout the ordeal, Burns' Restaurant, Jean E. Lisikatos' Confectionary Store and local residents aided greatly by serving coffee and sandwiches to the firefighters.  Captain Merante was high in praise of the cooperation that the fire companies showed in confining the blaze to the gutted Post Building. Also praising the firefighters were A&P managers George Harris, Sr. and Albert Hastede and neighboring business owner Samuel J. Hastede.  Exact loss could not be learned but replacement value at that time was thought to amount between $50,000 and $75,000.  The A&P Store was gutted as were the apartments of Mrs. Andrew Hundley and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Basso and their 13 day old son Frank Jr.  W.J. Owens' antique shop sustained water damages as did the Purity Market, the apartment of the Trocheck family and The Beauty Shoppe on each side of the Post Building.

The Post Building was never rebuilt and the A&P did not relocate in Cold Spring.  The other business mentioned are no longer.  The lot at 96 Main Street was used by the Village as a Municipal parking lot and is now a private parking lot.  But to the older residents of the Village they remember the lot as where the A&P was, and the gallant effort the firefighters made on January 29, 1948 in protecting the Village.