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The Marietta Fire Department responded Tuesday evening to a fire at the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority House, at 322 Fifth St., in Marietta.
The streets were filled with white smoke for blocks, and full of college students and neighbors watching the events unfold.
The call came in to the Marietta Police Dispatch at 6:47 p.m. Tuesday and the Marietta Fire Department arrived on the scene first. Firefighters from the Williamstown, Reno, and Devola volunteer fire departments were also present on scene.
"No injuries to be reported at this time," Marietta Fire Department Chief C.W. Durham III said Tuesday evening. "We believe we have it under control at this time we're doing hot spots and salvage operation. There is significant structure damage to the roof throughout and the third floor."
Durham said the cause of the fire was unknown Tuesday and the State Fire Marshal will assist the department with investigating the cause.
The George White house at 322 Fifth St. was built in 1855 for Sheriff W.P. Skinner. The Greek revival style home was purchased by the White family in 1908. Before becoming Ohio's governor in 1931, White was a successful oilman, a congressman, and chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He served two terms as governor during which time he created the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The third floor was added some time after 1900.
In 1954 the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority bought the house and has maintained it as a working residence.
James Dobbs can be reached at jdobbs@newsandsentinel.com