As many of you may know, my time for writing posts is very restricted and, since the big crash of the old JS, I’m still looking for a place where I feel comfortable. But a recent event has inspired me to write this entry.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2009, the bar of a real good friend of mine burnt completely down. This gem of a place, once founded as a private meeting place for a handful of bikers and their friends, soon developed into a very special nugget for all the bikers in our area. In the past 15 years, my friend and many of his guests collected lots of large and small items which made this place so extraordinary. Most of the things were souvenirs and gifts from the US and the value of some items can’t be expressed in money.
Here are some pictures of how it looked before the fire.
And this is the place now.
Today about 25 -30 helpers showed up and removed the debris. Some women cleaned the collectibles the fire had spared and which can be used again. But most of the items became irreplaceable victims of the flames.
There were two old fashioned bikes hanging from the ceiling; both fully refurbished and functional: An Indian Chief from the 40s and a Harley-Davidson from the 30s. The fire brigade had to cut the chains and the bikes crashed on the floor, 10 feet down. Luckily both survived, damaged, of course, but perhaps restorable. The flames didn’t reach them directly but they were covered with aggressive acidic smut from the burnt plastic and needed to be cleaned immediately.
Many of the buddies signaled help in one way or the other.. They even started an account at a bank where people can donate money for the reconstruction. Others are thinking of delivering materials, and some others will just donate their working power. The group of bikers, friends, and guests are standing together to help a friend in need. The insurance only takes care of the damages that happened to the building….
The bar “Harley-Garage at Wallau” surely will rise again, perhaps back to it’s former glamour, with the exception of the missing collectibles.
Folks, I would like to make an appeal to all of you. If any of you have old (or new) stuff like advertising sign-plates made of enameled iron or just old posters from Coca-Cola, Jack-Daniels, Hershey’s chocolate, Harley-Davidson, or whatever, I really would appreciate your donation. Of course, all the other little things like models of motorbikes or oldtimer vans and pick-up cars are always welcome, too. Leave a pm and I‘ll send you my address here in Germany. My friends and I would be very thankful.
Wheelie