Topic starter
14/02/2016 7:35 am
Saturday, 13 February 2016
Rabbit Hash, Kentucky
The Rabbit Hash General Store was a total loss after fire of unknown origin swept through the historic frame building that has been alongside the Ohio River since 1831. No injuries were reported except for many broken hearts just hours before Valentine's Day. The DELTA QUEEN and the BELLE of CINCINNATI were but two riverboats that landed at Rabbit Hash so that passengers could visit the rustic structure that surely saw many steamboats come and go over a course of some 185 years on the banks of the Ohio River.
As the fires are still smoldering at this writing, little is know about how the fire started or of the future of the General Store and whether, or not, it will be rebuilt.
14/02/2016 7:58 am
A real loss
What a treasure that building was, as is Rabbit Hash itself...
14/02/2016 2:33 pm
A Family loss
My dad's family ran the store for years. What a tragic loss. Old wood buildings in real cold weather have a way of warming up too fast. The entire town of Rabbit Hash is now owned and run by the Boone County Historical Society last I new. Thankfully we all still have our memories of what it was and hopes for what it can become again.
Best regards, Russ Ryle
14/02/2016 5:42 pm
I am glad we made a pilgrimage a few years ago, although we missed an audience with the mayor. My sympathy to Shipyard Sam and the residents of Rabbit Hash.
Wesley
14/02/2016 5:47 pm
*General Store/Tell us more*
Steamboating colleagues:
First big news hitting us this morning on TV was the disastrous fire at the 'Rabbit Hash General Store' with on the spot reporters, photographers. Thanks to Shipyard Sam for his prompt posting this morning. I can't remember a fire getting this much solid coverage since the huge fire burned down the Baldwin Piano Co. building here; then the fire that destroyed the immense bell towers on St. George Catholic Church next to University of Cincinnati campus.
Russ, since you know possibly more than most with your family connection, could you tell us more about the actual age of the store buildings? Reports state "185 years old." How far back did/does the store date itself? Where any parts of it log cabin construction? Tom Schiffer [Cap n' Walnut] sent here a number of photos he took a year or so ago outside and in the store in the autumn with much atmosphere. Let's hope it can rise like the Phoenix from the ashes for "what it can become again." Cheers!
R. Dale Flick
Old Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River, Cincinnati.
14/02/2016 8:29 pm
Lost Rabbit Hash history needing recovery
Dale, I don't know if at least part of the building was from 1831 or not. I do not think the whole building was. I know it was an operating post office at one time. Sadly, the Ryles that would have known more have passed away.
Lowel Lee Scott may know if he is still available. He is my dad's sister Sarah's son who owned Rabbit Hash at one point in time.
Best regards,
Russ Ryle
14/02/2016 8:45 pm
re: fire update
Fire ruled accidental. Cincinnati Esquire has a video on its web site and I think on YouTube with more information. They talked like it was an original 1831 building and one of the oldest operating general stores in the country.
Owned and operated by the Rabbit Hash Historical Foundation (?). Future plans to be determined but it will never be forgotten.
Russ Ryle
19/02/2016 11:38 pm
It is owned by the Rabbit Hash Historical Society and leased to Terri Marksberry who rqn the store.