Oswego Fire Department responded after a house on 110 W. Bridge Street went up in flames.

Authorities say the fire had many layers, and because it was such a big home with several rooms, it was initially difficult for the firefighters.  Despite this however, they were still able to prevent neighboring houses too much damage while ensuring the overall structure of the home stayed in tact.

Assistant Fire Chief Jon Chawgo applauded the efforts of the crew, saying “Our personnel did an excellent job knocking down the fire and protecting the neighboring structures. The house did sustain moderate damage, but is not considered a total loss and should be able to be repaired.”

The house is assumed to belong to college students, but nobody was home at the time of the incident.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

OSWEGO, NY — Visiting retired professor Ann Callaghan Allen made an appearance on campus to educate students in a public lecture on one woman who broke the boundaries of gender expectations. The Gender and Womens’ Studies program director, Professor Joanna Goplen, served as the head of the event, and is hopeful that the message of appreciation for women in history resonates with SUNY Oswego students.

“I think it’s really helpful for students to see examples of women in history who have accomplished things and may not have gotten the credit that they were due,” Professor Goplen said. “The connection to the Oswego community, I think,  is also interesting, so hopefully they’ll pull away some local history as well.”

“The Madame’s Business” follows the true story of Malvina Guimaraes, a businesswoman pressing against the conventional roles of women in society, and the subsequent inventor of the sewing machine. Professor Allen reflected on her research and admires Guimares’ bravery and perseverance.

“I know that people who grew up in Oswego or people who come here for school really aren’t exposed to the history of this city, it’s got a remarkable history, really,” Professor Allen said. “If people can be engaged in the life of Oswego in the nineteenth century, I feel as though I’ve accomplished something.”

Professor Allen’s book is available for purchase locally at Oswego’s River’s End Bookstore and online at riversendbookstore.com.