CONOWINGO — An early-morning blaze Tuesday destroyed a well-known meat butchering shop in Conowingo that has been in operation for more than 50 years, causing an estimated $2.5 million in damage, according to the Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal.
An employee called 911 at approximately 5:45 a.m. Tuesday after discovering fire within the ceiling in a utility room inside the Galvinell Meat Company in the 400 block of Ragan Road while working on the premises, prompting numerous volunteer fire companies from Cecil County, Harford County and southern Pennsylvania to respond to the scene, fire officials reported.
“Firefighters from the Community Fire Company of Rising Sun arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the roof,” An MOSFM spokesperson said. “The fire quickly spread throughout the attic of the business, which was established in 1968.”
Approximately 50 volunteer firefighters battled the blaze for slightly more than one hour before bringing it under control, fire officials reported.
No people or animals were injured during the fire, which caused an estimated $2.5 million in damage, according to the MOSFM spokesperson, who then qualified, “The estimated dollar loss is a combination of structure, contents, machinery, food, and other products within the business.” The spokesperson further reported, “Inspectors from the USDA and Cecil County Health Department were on the scene evaluating the safety of products stored in a freezer that was believed not to have been affected by the fire.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the investigation continued. “While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, an electrical failure can not be ruled out,” the spokesperson noted.
Galvinell Meat Company is a USDA federally-inspected plant that provides farmers of Cecil County and beyond with the custom slaughter of beef, lambs, goats, and hogs and also sells various types and cuts of meats to patrons, fire officials reported
On the Galvinell Meat Company website, a history of the business can be found. Here is an excerpt:
Before Galvinell actually came to exist, the land was occupied by Mr. Snyder & his chicken houses. At some point, he sold to Calvin & Gladys Loy, that’s actually how Galvinell (Gal)ydis, Cal(vin), & their son, Russ(ell) got its name.
In 1968, Shellcross of Rising Sun decided to no longer offer custom butchering, and that is when Galvinell became a vision! Shortly after a discussion between The Loy’s and Shellcross, construction of Galvinell began! In the Summer of 1968, it became the home of 700 lockers/storage. The Loy’s, with help from some family members, owned and operated Galvinell from 1968-1972.
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