Breaking News - South Shore Brewery Devastated by Fire
April 5, 2000 -- Ashland Landmark Depot and Microbrewery gutted by April 1st fire
The smoke has cleared over Ashland, Wisconsin, but sadness remains over the loss of South Shore Brewery and the 1887 Soo Line Railroad Depot. The fire apparently began in the kitchen around 9:00 am Saturday, April 1.
When South Shore’s head brewer, Bo Belanger, arrived at the brewery to check on the progress of his beers, he was met by a flotilla of emergency vehicles battling the blaze. The extent of damage to the brewing equipment has not yet been determined, but it appears to be substantial.
The Depot is more than a historical building. It has become the center for the redevelopment of downtown Ashland. Strong sentiment to rebuild exists in the community.
`This is a historical landmark that is the heart and soul of Ashland,'' Belanger said. ``And we will do anything in our power to see it restored.''
Damages are estimated in the $4 - 5 million dollar range, in spite of the heads-up work of the local firefighters who saved the brick exterior walls by keeping them hosed down. More than 100 people are left without jobs as a result of the fire.
Offers of help have been made by fellow brewers. Randy Lee of Viking Brewing Company in Dallas, Wisconsin has offered to let Bo brew the South Shore products at Viking while they rebuild their own brewery.
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