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Fundraiser planned for Jefferson fire victims

3 min read
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As a hard reality for Brian and Vicki Snyder set in on the June morning after their family’s historic Jefferson Township home was destroyed by fire, the community began rallying in their support.

The old Center School was in the Snyder family for multiple generations. The house, where Brian and Vicki lived since 2004, was destroyed June 24 by a fire investigators blame on a sparking lamp cord.

Vicki Snyder choked up as she recalled memories in the home where her four grandchildren had birthday parties, where her father-in-law was raised and where her husband’s grandfather went to class back when it was still a schoolhouse.

“Every time I think about it, I get upset,” she said. “In the kitchen, (Brian Snyder’s) grandfather could point out where he sat to eat lunch when he went to school there … a lot of memories.”

The school was built in the 1860s and was one of the only brick schoolhouses in the Jefferson area. It was converted to a residence in 1918 by Brian Snyder’s great-grandfather, James Snyder, and multiple generations continued to live in the home until the fire.

“It was passed down and passed down,” Vicki Snyder said. “To me, it was just a house. But to my husband, it was more.”

Brian Snyder often would tell visitors about the original schoolhouse chalkboard hidden behind paneling in the dining room.

The couple was told their home cannot be repaired because intense heat crumbled the mortar in its bricks. Now, demolition plans are under way – a moment that promises to be one of the hardest faced by Brian and Vicki Snyder.

“They said there is no way of saving it,” Vicki Snyder said.

The Snyders lost more than belongings and a place to live in the fire. Vicki said they’ve lost a sense of normalcy.

“I just want to get back to my life,” Vicki said.

Family and friends are now working to help the couple create a new normal.

A fundraiser is being held at Thistlethwaite Vineyards in Jefferson from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. The public is invited to attend, and donations are welcomed.

Deneen Rhodes and Gretchen Brandstetter, along with others have been working hard to help the Snyder family, are planning the event.

“Brian Snyder gives to everything,” Rhodes said. “His wallet is always open to everybody else, and they are such good people. Everybody who knows him wants to help out.”

Rhodes also hopes the event will be an opportunity to thank the community members who already offered assistance and support.

“We are hoping to get together and thank everyone who came out and helped so far, and if we can get a couple dollars for the Snyders as well, that would be great,” Rhodes said.

The event will have music, food and yard games. Any money raised will be used to help the Snyders buy a modular home they plan to place on the property where their gutted house still stands.

Though they realize there will be more hard days ahead, the Snyders said they look forward to the fundraiser and hope for a good turnout so they can thank community members who have helped them through such a difficult time.

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