The Rabbit Hash General Store, located in Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, was destroyed in a fire on Saturday night.
Firefighters from several locations responded to the call at around 9 p.m., but were unable to save the iconic store. Flames were visible in Indiana.
Fire still burning at Rabbit Hash General Store https://t.co/1GFilkW9zZ pic.twitter.com/20DU21kLfI
— WCPO (@WCPO) February 14, 2016
The Rabbit Hash General Store was much more than just a store. Filled with antiques, it was founded back in 1831, and was known as a social center. Many concerts and annual events took place at the Rabbit Hash General Store.
Nearby resident Jeff Hansel told Cincinnati TV station WCPO that nearly everyone in the area can relate to the store in some way.
“It’s more or less the center of the whole town of Rabbit Hash,” he said. “It’s full of antiques, and there’s thousands of people who have some kind of connection to the Rabbit Hash General Store.”
“It’s a museum in many ways,” Hansel added. “It’s had something to do with almost everybody’s life in this whole community for generations.”
#BREAKING There is reportedly heavy fire damage to the roof of the Rabbit Hash General Store https://t.co/7BSG75p3pP pic.twitter.com/qcWkrwhcQc
— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) February 14, 2016
How sad that this piece of local history is lost. It’s clear the store meant much to many.
It’s way too soon to know if the owners of the Rabbit Hash General Store plan to rebuild, but even if they do, it doesn’t sound like things can ever be quite the same.