COLUMBIA, Pa. — Just over one week since the Tollbooth Antiques complex in Columbia was severely damaged and its main building was burned down by a fire, its owners and vendors are getting back on their feet.
The company has created two makeshift markets in nearby warehouses, with one for items salvaged from the fire and the other for the newly displaced vendors.
Tollbooth co-owner Dave Doolittle says that only about 2,000 square feet of items were saved from his 40,000 square foot building.
"There are a lot of valuable items in there that really just need a good cleaning," Doolittle said. "They're dirty and dusty, but they can be bought right now for less than half of what they were priced at."
Doolittle is selling them in his lumber warehouse just down the street from the complex on 185 N. Front St., helping the Doolittles try and recover both financially and emotionally from the fire.
"We're all a little tired, but we're eating well and sleeping well," Doolittle said. "So just thankful for the help we’ve had."
The vendors' makeshift market is at 225 N. 2nd St. next to the complex, with vendors selling whatever backup inventory they have remaining after most or all of their main inventory was lost.
"We lost everything," said vendor Ryan Benjamin. "No insurance. Everything's a pile of ashes out back. We have a little bit of stuff in our basement. We have a couple trailers back with some things in it, but we lost it all."
Despite the challenges, Doolittle says he intends to rebuild and replenish his inventory with the help of the community.
"We'll get back on track," Doolittle said. "I have no doubt. It’ll take a little time, but we're here now. We're selling things now, and we would be happy to see people stopping in anytime."
Both warehouses are open every day from noon - 5 p.m.