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[shavethewhales]

Like I said in the other thread, the duplicating lathe was another piece of awesome irreplaceable vintage equipment. I wonder if they can salvage any of it... That's the biggest loss I think, but the cowboy jepps building had a lot of memories too. It was one that used to have a tree growing through it. Used to be kind of an outdoors themed toy store when I was a kid. This sucks.

[pintrader]

Anyone have an idea how many times there have been fires on the park before this?

There was a fire in 1968 which I believe was in late Sep.  It started in the candle shop which was a total loss and I think it damaged two adjoining structures which were basket making and broom factory.  These were fairly close to where the candle shop is today ( I think).

If I remember correctly it was started by Pete Herschend.  It was a cool morning and he started a fire I presume in a stove and left it and it got out of hand in some manner.  At least that is the story I seem to remember.

[Swoosh]

The area is clear now down to foundations.  They did keep the shed closest to Wildfire sign.  Everything else is gone.  Sounds like they are trying to save Cowboy Jepps

[mhguy77]

I'm guessing they'll build back focused on restaurants and food stands. Wonder if there'll be much of anything for shopping space or anything else. I imagine they'll rework the whole area.

It came to mind they may be able to do something to soften the pitch of the hill.  They have a clean slate on the left now.  Even for a switchback

[Duelist]

KY3 Springfield's report on the 3 lost buildings: https://www.ky3.com/2021/11/19/silver-dollar-city-staff-gives-inside-look-damage-3-buildings-fire/

[sdcfan88]

Silver Dollar City does plan to rebuild and will be announcing what will take the place of those three buildings at a later date.

And right there is the key statement.

[shavethewhales]

I don't know about a switchback, but they could certainly send the main pathway wider out to give it more length to go uphill, thus reducing the grade. That would be a lot of earthwork though, and they would have to obliterate even more of the area. Someday they might just have to put in another corkscrew bypass type structure for wheelchair users.

[Swoosh]

There's already an alternate route that goes past the knife shop.  No need to change the grade of Hill Street

[palallin]

The furniture shop *could* be restored.  the statements about "nobody know how to handle that equipment" are simple rationalization.  I can think of three people off the top of my head who could manage it.  That kind of knowledge has not yet been lost.  It is not common in urban areas, naturally, but overhead pulley-driven shops are not extinct.  I would bet a pass to the city that the folks there are more than capable of putting it back into operation.

The question is will.  Given the indifference for the past evident in our culture these days, I can certainly foresee a lack of will.

[MCLFLN]

Question.....ironic as though it may be...

Did this fire delay Fire in the Hole's demise for another year? (I keep hearing rumors this is or at least was the last year)

[Pudgy Jones]

The equipment to restore both the furniture shop and duplicating lathe are out there to be found.

Is it common? No.

Is it doable? Yes.

Will it be done? I really hope so, but I'm not optimistic.

(I have no insider information...just a 40+ year visitor to the park.)

[sdcfan88]

Question.....ironic as though it may be...

Did this fire delay Fire in the Hole's demise for another year? (I keep hearing rumors this is or at least was the last year)

Hmmm conspiracies everywhere. lol

[Swoosh]

Question.....ironic as though it may be...

Did this fire delay Fire in the Hole's demise for another year? (I keep hearing rumors this is or at least was the last year)

Hmmm conspiracies everywhere. lol

No. FITH 2.0 is still a go for 2023.  You'll just have something new for 2022 now actually in the 'City. 

[KBCraig]

It'll be more than just those 3 buildings.  Duplicating Lathe and Cowboy Jepps are losses as well.

I was afraid of that. :/

The photos I saw showed the lathe building, but I never saw it actually burning.

It was such a unique part of the park. Sure, they didn't make much besides baseball bats and rolling pins, but it ran on steam and was fascinating to watch.

[sdcfan88]

Here's some pics I took tonight of the ash pit.