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Nov 3 / BenSeese

Art House Burns

Sad day in Pilsen. This house was a real cultural landmark.

When I came out to my car this morning, I noticed some smoke coming out of the eaves. Took about a minute for me to realize that it wasn’t just a smoky fireplace. Called 911, pounded on the doors & windows, then sat back & watched it go up.

Turned out nobody was home except for the dog, Gizmo. The firemen pulled her out of the basement after I left. She was in pretty bad shape, but alive.

Here are my photos of the house: before, during & after.

6 Comments

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  1. Bob / Nov 5 2007

    Ben,
    On Friday morning Nov 2nd my friend left work with a troubled look on his face telling me his Father’s house was on fire. I was well aware of the unique art work surrounding the property and I was concern about the situation. I know that you are an admirer of the house in Pilsen and found your words and video to be a kind tribute. We can only hope that the original style of this art will rise from the ashes and be better then ever.
    Bob

  2. Ernesto_is@hotmail.com / Nov 6 2007

    Thanks Ben
    If at any time I end up getting a computer again. Can I up load those pictures and video to my hard drive? I’m sure my family will appreciate them

    thanks.

    Ernesto .

  3. Steve / Nov 6 2007

    Ben,
    I happened to have just finished speaking with my dear co-worker Mrs. S. who lives in this beautiful house that went up in flames last Friday morning. She found out about the fire minutes after she and I finished our conversation. I haven’t had a chance to see her or speak with her, but my wife did. I sure hope she and her family knows that they can count on us at Juarez Academy to help them out. Art club students and Bilingual club students will be working hard to fund raise in order to help Mrs. S. and her family.
    Que Dios los bendiga.

  4. Mom / Nov 10 2007

    Ben, nice job on this video. The editing and music certainly made me want to keep watching. I’m sure the family will appreciate your fine video and your quick action to call 911. Your mother is proud of you.

  5. Liz NS / Nov 13 2007

    NOOOO! Oh, how sad! I’m so glad you have all those pics. Is the family ok otherwise? Do they need anything?

  6. Esther / Nov 14 2007

    My eyes teared up while watching this video. I remember back when my sister and I were small, my mom would take us to Dvorak park right across the street from this house and we’d always stop and look at this house. It was truly a landmark in Pilsen. Then when my sister went to Benito Juarez H.S., she met Ernesto and that’s when my family found out that his family lived in that house. Small world! I was devastated when my sister called me about the fire that engulfed her friends house. I was relieved to know that everyone including Gizmo we’re OK. You almost feel helpless watching the video and the pictures. Thank you for sharing.

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