DETROIT, MI (WKZO) -- The same storm front that blew over the Stage at the Indiana State Fair, killing 5 Saturday night, is blamed for destroying a relic of state history at the Michigan State Fairgrounds near Detroit. The “World’s Largest Stove” was an oversized hand carved oak reproduction of a cast iron stove made in 1893 for display at the Chicago World’s Fair.
Before Detroit was the Motor City, it was called the Stove Capital of the World, and the wooden creation was a promotional piece. Fire investigators believe a lightning strike sparked the fire that totally destroyed the 15-ton, 25-foot tall display. There’ hasn’t been a State Fair at the site since 2009.
