Fire historian suffers huge loss

Dear Friends, I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share an update about a recent event involving someone we all know and respect in our community—Ken Soderbeck, a renowned fire historian, antique restorer, and esteemed member of SPAAMFAA. Last week, Ken experienced a significant fire at his beloved shop, Hand in Hand Restoration, in Jackson, MI. Thankfully, five major pieces he was restoring survived the blaze, though some incurred only minor damage. These include two steamers, two hand carts, and an American LaFrance Roadster. However, much of Ken's personal collection, which was integral to documenting the history of American LaFrance, was tragically lost. This includes cherished items like helmets, buckets, bugles, photographs, negatives, silk screens, and historical records that took years to accumulate. The impact of this disaster extends beyond just the loss of these artifacts. The physical structure itself, which has been a cornerstone of Ken's life for decades, has also been severely affected. It's a devastating blow, not only to Ken but to all of us who appreciate his dedication to preserving our firefighting heritage. In the days following the fire, there has been an overwhelming show of support from friends, colleagues, and fellow enthusiasts. People have traveled to Jackson to lend a hand in any way possible, whether through labor, resources, or emotional encouragement. It’s heartwarming to see such unity and generosity emerge during tough times. On my visit to Jackson last Sunday, I spent several hours assisting with the restoration efforts. Specifically, I worked on polishing the chrome and brass components of one of the steamers, along with other essential parts. While progress is being made, the scale of the losses remains profound, and the road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and challenging. If you're moved to contribute to Ken and his wife Aggie's rebuilding process, there's an opportunity to do so. A fundraising effort has been established to help them regain stability. You can learn more about the fund and its purpose by clicking [here](insert link). For those planning to attend the upcoming 33rd Annual GLIAFAA Fire Flea Market in Jackson on Saturday, April 24, 2010, please consider stopping by to offer your support in person. This event will take place at the Jackson County Fairgrounds and offers both indoor and outdoor swap spaces. More details can be found at [www.gliafaa.com](insert website). Let’s continue to rally around Ken and his family during this difficult time. Every bit of assistance, whether financial, volunteer work, or simply spreading awareness, makes a difference. Warm regards, [Your Name]

Henry Hamlin PIANO

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