Originally published in The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County on April 5, 1961.

Fire Uncovers Mystery Wine Cellar In Field

CHESTERTONーSeveral barrels of wine, more than enough to wet the palate of any connoisseur, were destroyed by flames Tuesday night while Chesterton police and firemen watched with amazement.

Nobody apparently even got a taste of the red claret as fire consumed a mysterious wine cellar in a field, north of U.S. 20 and east of Ind. 49, on property formerly owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brasus.

Chesterton policemen were called to the scene about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday when an unidentified person saw smoke coming out of a small chimney sticking out of the ground.

Cellar Is Mystery

Upon making an investigation, the police found a 9x12 foot dugout in the ground. The cellar was supported by railroad ties and covered with earth.

Chesterton firemen were called to the sire, but were unable to get a truck back through the field to the cellar.

Nobody apparently knew that the wine cellar existed. Cause of the fire is unknown.

“The present owner of the property is not known at this time,” Chesterton officials said.

Mr. and Mrs. Brasus formerly operated a barbecue restaurant on the front part of the property.