FRANKFORT, N.Y. -- As the flames grew in size at the Union Fork and Hoe Company, so did the crowds along East Main Street.

Most people in the village know someone who worked at the tool factory or worked there themselves. They say it was sad watching a piece of history go up in flames.

"Frankfort, period. It made Frankfort. We made the best tools and our tools would last for 20 or 30 years," said Donald Young.

The buildings were soon to be demolished, but residents say this isn't the way they wanted to see them go.