July 28, 2018

Newly-rebuilt President’s House is site of reception to honor those who battled 2015 blaze that destroyed the original structure.

More than 100 first responders, neighbors and friends were welcomed by Centenary University President David P. Haney and Lisa Baldwin, presidential spouse and university ambassador, to a special reception honoring the first responders who battled the fire on Jan. 7, 2015 that destroyed the original President’s House. The event was held at the newly-rebuilt President’s House, which was constructed to faithfully capture the spirit of the beautiful Victorian structure irreparably damaged by the blaze.

“I was here the night the house burned, watching across the street, the flames coming out the windows. It was incredibly sad.” said Assemblyman John DiMaio. “This was and is the centerpiece of our community. My family has been in this town for four generations. And now, seeing it being rebuilt, it’s just fabulous. Looking around at the renovations and restoration work, it is authentic. Couple this with some modern necessities, including a new sprinkler system, and we should never lose this house again.”