SMICKSBURG - A well-known area leather craftsman lost his shop, known throughout the region for its sale of work by the Amish and other artisans, to fire on Tuesday.
Dayton and Plumville fire departments responded to a fire call at about 8:30 a.m. at the John A. Byler harness shop, located on Route 954 about one mile west of Smicksburg.
Dayton Fire Co. assistant chief Scott Lasher said that when Dayton and Plumville units arrived on the scene the shop was fully engulfed in flames.
The two departments were soon assisted by two other Armstrong County departments, Rural Valley and Elderton, and four companies from Indiana County, Lindsey, Perry, Marion Center and McAlmount.
The structure and its contents were a total loss.
Area residents said John A. Byler, a member of the Old Order Amish faith, operated the shop for several decades. Byler and several family members repaired harnesses, horse saddles, made various leather goods, repaired small farm implements and sold a variety of farm supplies.
Although it is against the tenants of the Amish faith to carry insurance, one Amish man at the scene said that members of the Amish community will pitch in to clean up the rubble and help rebuild the shop. About 20 Amish workers were on the scene throughout the day helping to clear rubble and the still smoldering timbers.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but Amish workers helping to clear rubble said they believed the fire started when a pipe from a wood burning stove ignited a shop wall.
When asked about plans for rebuilding, one Amish man, who declined to be identified, smiled and said the shop would probably be rebuilt and back in operation "...in about a month or so."
