Sad Day

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I spent two hours this afternoon going through the building of a long time friend. He passed away last month, and his heirs asked me to go to the store with them to see what was there and how to liquidate it ( since I knew the layout of his labyrinth of rooms, and there is no electricity).
He was a manufacturer of Masonic and Fraternal items. All types of badges, emblems, uniforms, apparel,accessories.....and so much more. His building is about 100 years old, and has been in poor shape for many years.It is a two story with about 1000 feet per floor. Downstairs is offices, retail showrooms, printing shop, photo studio, recording studio ( gospel music), and rooms for inventory storage . Upstairs there were sewing rooms, cutting rooms, casting room, jewelry shop,finishing room,and several rooms for supplies and storage. The roof has been leaking for years, and due to his failing health, he had not been in the building for over a year.He paid a guy a couple thousand to just patch the leaks about two years ago. He couldn't walk, so hasn't been upstairs ( where all the work rooms are) for several years.I used to come over and help him out, but since he hasn't done any casting of metal work for about five years, I haven't been upstairs in that long.
When we entered the place, the smell of mold was overwhelming. I had expected that, since the place has smelled moldy for many years. I had brought respirators, just in case. We went in and the first thing that was apparent was severe water damage. There were places where the ceiling plaster had collapsed due to water. Everything in the downstairs was unsellable with the possible exception of things made from metal that could be dipped in chlorox water to salvage them. Maybe not even worth the hundreds of hours it would take. We made our way upstairs, where my fears were confirmed. The roof had collapsed in several places during recent storms, ruining everything upstairs,too. There were places where it was unsafe to go due to sagging flooring.The equipment in the casting room may be salvageable, if we can safely get it downstairs. There is a big burnout oven, casting centrifuges,vacuum casting units, polishing units, torches, pewter melting pots and casting equipment,vulcanizing presses, compressors, and more. In a couple of weeks we will get some strong backs there to try and safely move some downstairs. The only thing I took out of the building was all his swords. He sold ceremonial swords to Shriners, Masonics, and Templers. They are just wall hangers, and look sort of OK, but are junk as far as being real swords. I wiped them down with Lysol and have them out in the smithy airing out. There are about 40 swords, mostly Shriner pieces. I may sell them to some local Shriner bands and parade units. Anything I get will help the family, since there are unpaid taxes on the building.
Sadly, most of his near $1,000,000 inventory is not worth removing. It will most likely be bulldozed with the building. The land is worth a good bit, but with no funds to clear the lot and build on it, the family may have to sell it cheap to a developer who will do his own demolition .

I may be posting a thread for local Virginia smiths who may want some equipment cheap. The burnout oven would make a good unit for knives up to about 16".

It was a sad day, remembering my old friend, and seeing all his hard work since 1973 in ruins.

Stacy

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

Sorry to hear about your old friend passing away. I been there also as well in seeing my friends pass away. I do know how it is.

Terry

 

[OldPhysics]

The situation may be sad, but please remember the service you did him.

The respect you've shown him and his family is worthy.:thumbup:

 

[go mike]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I really can't say I know how it feels, but just try to focus on the positives of his life. I really hope you can get enough money to help cover the taxes etc.

 

[Sam Salvati]

Such a shame Stacy, i am sorry for your loss.

 

[galadduin]

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I think he was a productive man and did leave a good memory. I believe thats the only thing we can achieve in life; to create and leave a good legacy. What a pity that the house will be demolished, be sure take a memento from there.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Emre,
Funny that you should say that. I was in the office, which was one of the least damaged rooms, and hanging on the door was one of his work smocks. He always had one on. I asked if I could have it.They looked at me sort of odd and said, "Sure, but why would you want a mold smelling old shirt?" I said I could get rid of the smell, and it would always remind me of Ralph. I'll hang it on the back of my shop door, and Ralph can hang out at my shop now.


Ralph was a huge African American man and we go back a long time ( to a day when that term didn't exist, and blacks and whites didn't usually hang out together).
He spent his life working with and for kids , was deeply religious, and would do anything to help others. His last years were not good ones ,due to the ravages of diabetes, his weight, and economic strains. He had lost both feet, become bed ridden,couldn't work,....... and his passing was a relief from pain.

I will give you an Idea of how he was. His business was in the old poor black part of town (Now becoming the new upscale part of town). He would have kids siting on the side of the building smoking, or drinking. He would go out and give them "what-for" , for being fools who gave up. Then he would tell them that if they would bring in their report cards at grade time he would give them a five dollar bill for every A. Make honor role and you got $100. But, if he caught them smokin' or drinkin' all bets were off. Many of those kids he helped get through school and into college. He grew up in a day when he had little chance of bettering himself by any other means than his own hard work. He was really pissed off by any kid who said that there was no reason to try, because the "system" ( or the "man") was against them. He would tell them that the only person who could make you fail is YOU, everybody else could only slow you down, but couldn't stop you.
(I know there are some who won't agree or understand this next statement) He died not long after Obama took office, but he felt that his ideas were proven true by the fact that a black man from humble roots made it to the presidency of the United States. Whether you like Obama or not, you can't deny that Ralph was right !

Stacy

 

[John R. Fraps]

Stacy,
Happiness and sadness too often support each other.
You had both with a long term friend. Remember the happiness.
Thank-you for sharing.

 

[deker]

Stacy,

Sorry to hear the sad tale. It's always a shame when a friend passes, especially one who seems like such a good man. I can't offer any help personally as I've got too much going on, but if there is casting equipment that may be salvageable, let me know, I know a of a local guy who would likely be interested.

Take care,

-d

 

[WadeH]

Sorry to hear of the passing of your good friend Stacy. Sounds like he made a pretty big impression on you, he must have been a pretty good man. I am sorry for your loss.

 

[Burton Harruff]

Sorry to hear about your friend and the shop condition. Sounds bad all the way round.