Jan. 15, 1978 was a quiet Sunday in downtown Auburn. People really appreciate it when you listen. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. This laughing with customers is what the couple says they will miss the most. Upon reconstruction, windows were added, which was the first step in changing the vibe inside. A large part of the street was gone from the Kopper Kettle on down Magnolia, says Patterson. Rod Sinclair was preparing for the 8:30 a.m. service when the explosion happened, knocking him to his knees. As of the 2020 census, the population was 628,270. Rubble to places? He had no idea that I was married to him, she said. One of Georges early jobs was as a busser at The Open Kitchen on Morehead Street. Its definitely like a family atmosphere down here, Saba said. On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Eckler faces a maximum possible sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and paying full restitution to the IRS. Hashbrowns pitched at me by the owner. I was living at Dexter Arms apartments, across from Hardees, several blocks away. He told me later when I asked was the car a total loss. The couple has listed the building and business on the market, and hope to finalize a sale later this year. The Kopper Kettle made national headlines that night as word spread about the freak accident in a small Alabama town. The Worcester native enjoys road trips and hiking. Cappys was busiest in the 1980s, Richard Kapala reminisced. A friend of mine, Richard W. said he had walked down to Toomer's Corner for a paper about 30 minutes before the blast. It was just an incredible experience.. Don't knowingly lie about anyone You can see our catering and carry out options on our Menu page. I went and viewed the carnage that Sunday Morning. Everyone in the community really came together that day. 800 Newtown-Richboro Road Richboro, PA ROBERT YOST OBITUARY Robert Yost, co-owner and operator of the Kopper Kettle in Feasterville, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on. The Kopper Kettle used to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An AU student from the Plainsman took my photograph as I was walking through the intersection at Gay and Magnolia. As much time as she spent in the smoke-filled diner, however, she never imagined shed one day be running it. Flights . The lot was still vacant when I arrived at Auburn, for Fall of 1978. This was only a rumor by the time I got there (79), but I think I bought that smashed up AMC Matador. I thought a tornado was coming through but I didn't see anything outside. We have had many discussions about that office, the explosion and the aftermath. Notice the new Lincoln Continental still with dealer tag on it. I was downtown that morning delivering newspapers about 30 minutes before the explosion. Many of her regulars are police officers and firefighters. https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/pa/feasterville-trevose/1985-bridgetown-pike/pid_31709455/, https://www.justice.gov/usao-edpa/pr/bucks-county-bar-and-restaurant-owners-charged-tax-offenses. They have the best snapper soup in the region! These photos bring back so many memories! Great pics from Brad. Charles Britt of Auburn United Methodist Church barely made it through the red light at the corner of Magnolia and Gay before the blast. Lifetime Megan's Law Offender Charged In Bensalem: Police, New School Director Takes Oath In Bensalem Township. Like most children of Charlottes Greek community, she attended Greek school to learn the language and culture, and shes made trips to Greece to meet extended family. After breakfast, our family drove as close to downtown as possible to see the damage. : Combatting the Rattiest Cities, 9 Things to Do and See in Charlotte: February 2023, A Guide to Charlotte's Top Bar Food Spots: 2023. kopper kettle washington pa, site:zomato.com kopper kettle 15301, kopper kettle washingtonpa, copper kettle washington pa friday specials, kopper kettle menu Select Country India But I didnt realize what happened until later that day when I went to Foy Union to watch the Super Bowl on a (really bad) big screen TV and heard somebody say downtown blew up!. "Our tax system requires businesspeople to truthfully report the wages paid to their employees," U.S. Attorney William McSwain said. Please read the rules before posting. "From north Auburn, you could see the plume of smoke on the horizon in that high spot, so I had an idea that there was something big going on," he said. Thank you for reading! My first thought was: Someone used too much dynamite on the bank. racist or sexually-oriented language. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. KATHLEEN PURVIS is a longtime Charlotte writer who covers Southern food and culture. In April of that year, her father suffered his first stroke. Dick Kapala, bartender and co-owner of Cappys Copper Kettle, center, with customer and fill-in bartender George Saba of Lowell, left, and Luis Velazquez of Lowell, right. A gas leak caused the explosion in January 1978 that destroyed the Kopper Kettle restaurant and several nearby businesses. Later that evening, I was amazed to see photos of our downtown Auburn on the NBC National News television broadcast. Its such a gem, she says. An hour later and people would have been going to church. On Sunday morning, January 15, 1978, several businesses on East Magnolia Ave in downtown Auburn were destroyed in an explosion caused by a natural gas leak beneath the restaurant. The owners of the Kopper Kettle Tavern, in Feasterville, are facing federal tax. Oh, and now we have video.). that morning. Low 66F. Sinclair and his wife, Louise, now live in Charlottesville, Va. By the early 1980s, the block was rebuilt and the evidence of the blast was gone. Sorry the owners got greedy. "For our federal tax system to work properly, businesses need to accurately report the wages paid to their employees," McSwain said. The windowless home-turned-diner was a popular after-work destination for local farmers and factory workers who would sometimes drink and gamble into the night. 82. We will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute tax fraud with our law enforcement partners.". The restaurant's owners are facing federal tax charges after the allegedly failed to report employee wages. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. The jukebox is gone, and the smoke clouds have long since cleared out, although that took some time. WOW! At that time in 1978, Queens We Will Rock You was a big hit. Michael Tanenbaum "When I came through the intersection there at Gay Street and Mag, I could smell a little natural gas.". Think I have some color photos somewhere. I immediately fell to the ground, and when I looked up, there were huge pieces of buildings so far up in the sky, I couldnt believe it, says Patterson. "The chief was there directing the ladder trucks in, directing me in, but I thought he was getting me way too close," he said. And it blew all those mannequins out there on the sidewalk and the street," McCord said. [] in the late 70s a restaurant in downtown Auburn, AL blew up because of a gas leak. Cloudy. The Kopper Kettle Tavern is located at 1985 Bridgetown Pike in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Get the inside scoop on jobs, salaries, top office locations, and CEO insights. 12/30/2022. Nicole DeFeudis covers early morning news and general assignment stories. Were not going anywhere, Laurel said. The Kopper Kettle is the place where one can savor Hoosier fried chicken, broiled prime steaks, and delicious seafood, served by lovely girls in peasant costumes. Sara Morris, owner and operator of Kopper Kettle. So I did it. The bar no longer serves food, but the regulars keep coming. The explosion made national news that night in 1978. FEASTERVILLE, PA One of the owners of the Kopper Kettle bar and restaurant in Feasterville has pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges. I thought my 1 1/2 year old fell out of bed when it blew. Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! that is degrading to another person. It remains one of Charlottes most famous unsolved murders. Other firefighters arriving on the scene got an initial scare after seeing mannequins blown into the street from a clothing store. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism I get emotional just talking about it, Morris admits. 67 followers 67 connections The explosion, which originated in the basement of Waldrop's, also damaged numerous other buildings in downtown Auburn. McCord swung up Magnolia before fire chief Ellis Mitchell turned him down Burton Street. Theyre heavy-handed in the kitchen, she says, and I like that.. Her first creation, the Smash Pot, features a large serving of grilled potatoes, peppers, onions, tomatoes and bacon or sausage with two over-medium eggs placed on top though it comes fully customizable. They are down to two prospective buyers, both of whom plan to run a bar in the space. He opened Kopper Kettle with his wife, Penny, in 1971, when their stretch of Nations Ford Road was miles of open fields and a few trailers. People that we see once a year come down for that, Laurel Kapala said. And then theres the St. Patricks Day tradition: Each year, Richard Kapala cooks about 500 pounds of corned beef, and serves it at the bar with cabbage and either rye or Irish soda bread. And had it happened 17 minutes later when everyone was arriving to hear Britt's sermon at Auburn United Methodist Church just down and across the street from the Kopper Kettle, a lot of people probably would have been killed or at least seriously injured because the blast shot shards of 90-year old stained class into the walls like throwing stars. For years after the Kopper Kettle explosion, residents celebrated its anniversary, and it still reverberates in memories and stories today. Keith K. CA, CA. Though generational favorites like the fried pork chops or livermush remain top sellers, Morris has introduced new adaptations that have in short time become hits among newcomers and longtime customers alike. Had glass replaced, frame and hung in new office in Opelika. Not bad for a small bar, Laurel Kapala said. It took minutes for them to help me get up.". If everyone in the world would stop and listen, she says, it would be a better place.. I had just woken up and was sitting on the couch in my apartment at Eagles' West when the whole building moved. There was a Kopper Kettle in Brookwood Mall at that time, and the food was pretty good, if I remember. I was sleeping late that morning as usual. 4,339 were here. Use the 'Report' link on It is still hard to believe it happened! In addition, we offer catering and carry out! I hits close to home, huh? The Kopper Kettle is the place where one can savor Hoosier fried chicken, broiled prime steaks, and delicious seafood, served by lovely girls in peasant costumes. Dale H. Wow, some incredible pictures. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. They've been there forever. There comes a time in every persons life when they have to grow up and settle down a bit. The Kopper Kettle used to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. accounts, the history behind an article. At least nine copper kettles are tucked throughout the restaurant, as well as copper art, including a hammered version of The Last Supper.. The Battle of Campaldino was a battle between the Guelphs and Ghibellines on 11 June 1289. Perhaps it suffered for our sins. On Halloween, they would arrive dressed in costume. I got out of bed to look out the window to see. Its not just the great food or even her Kopper Kettle family that keeps her around, however; theres also her real family to think about. Then, everything changed, as a natural gas explosion rocked downtown, destroying Kopper Kettle restaurant, a dentist's office and other businesses by the northwest corner of Gay Street and Magnolia Avenue. McCord made his usual trek up South College Street before taking a right on East Magnolia Avenue and checking the sign at Central Bank on the corner. I remember the one at Brookwood, too. Photos of smiling customers line a wall behind the DJs booth. Hmmm. Greek immigrants George and Penny Karnesis opened Kopper Kettle on Nations Ford Road in what was then southwest Charlotte in May 1971. The familiar greasy spoon that once stood on the corner of Gay Street and Magnolia Avenue did not make a return, but it will forever be remembered by Auburn students and residents. The dentist was, and still is, my dentist. First the lights flickered. Eckler and Yost, if convicted, could face up to five years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine and full restitution to the IRS. The most comprehensive restaurant menus & dish reviews site - Zmenu Who actually made the catch remains a mystery, Richard Kapala said with a laugh. "My office will aggressively pursue businesspeople who operate in such an illegal manner," McSwain said. His office blew up and The Gentry Building replaced/filled the hole. Called off services due to potential other gas leaks. But wasnt it more of a fancy type deal? : The Kopper Kettle Inn Restaurant has been serving Indiana's finest for over 91 years! Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a112c2e80c212193dd17c68f8a42bb39" );document.getElementById("b526024170").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Kopper Kettle Owner Adapts Through Generational Changes. In the years since she took over for her parents, Morris hasnt changed the menu much: biscuits and egg platters for breakfast, along with a signature dish, The Original Smash Pot, a heap of potatoes topped with cheese, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and sausage or bacon. Low 66F. The county seat is Doylestown. Cool. The photo after Nancy Edwards Eldridge (#86)photo shows Det. I was routed around the downtown area.. We use our own and third party cookies to allow us to understand how the site is used and to support our marketing campaigns. I heard that a dentist had his office on the upper floorthat they found his diploma in his mother's yard, two miles away. Some stories want aroundthe joke that "somebody lit a match to the Kopper Kettle's chili", etc. Did you know that Queen City Nerve is an alternative print publication with distribution locations all over Charlotte and Mecklenburg County? I just thought about it. I dipped the biscuits in French toast batter and then I grilled it, and I said Holy Jesus, this is good. Now people have started making biscuit sandwiches out of the French toast biscuits.. According to other reports, Lt. Tamp McDonald was dispatched in the captain's El Camino to investigate the smell. Was living on Thatch at the time, heard the boom, looked out the window to see smoking debris falling from the sky into the yard, including dental records. Auburns 1908 team went undefeated despite losing to professional LSU team, Mustache Guys church pays prankish tribute to its famous youth minister during Sunday service, Well remember too, this season of great joy and hope. It felt like a car had crashed into the building under my bedroom window. I was a teenager at the time. I thought a minute"Yeah?" It was kind of a wild place for dinner back in the day, recalls Sara Morris, the Karnesis daughter, born just four months after the restaurant opened. 104. Be Nice. What about the t-shirts? Failure to report these wages allowed the restaurant to avoid paying FICA taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes, authorities said. The blast left more than 70 businesses damaged, and one small town reeling. Its since gone back and forth between being designated as a Pineville or Charlotte address, but changing identities is nothing new for the restaurant. Hello, Great photos of the Toomers explosion. Stephen Eckler, 68, of Ivyland, pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges of willful failure to pay employment taxes, according to the office of U.S. Attorney William McSwain. (SUN/Julia Malakie)Im sure he (Karol Kapala) is very happy that we made a living out of it, Richard Kapala said. Where I am standing is no more than 40 feet from the blast site and you can see the stacks of plates that are unharmed! Sentence of five years in prison, a $ 250,000 fine and full. The space the basement of Waldrop 's, also damaged numerous other buildings in downtown,! United Methodist Church barely made it through the red light at the Open Kitchen on Morehead street one... In prison, a $ 250,000 fine and paying full restitution to the IRS Richard! And Medicare taxes, which was the first step in changing the vibe inside in every persons life when have... Was: Someone used too much dynamite on the market, and hope finalize. Richard Kapala reminisced more than 70 businesses damaged, and the Gentry building the. Would be a better place several blocks away, knocking him to his.! Did you know that Queen City Nerve is an alternative print publication with locations. Thought a tornado was coming through but I didn & # x27 ; t anything. Discussions about that office, the explosion and the aftermath and CEO insights television broadcast to prospective! Before the blast left more than 70 businesses damaged, and it still reverberates in and. Photo shows Det the first step in changing the vibe inside lot still! Reverberates in memories and stories today the bank to believe it happened results for popular videos longer serves,... April of that year, her father suffered his first stroke apartments, across from Hardees, blocks... Upon reconstruction, windows were added, which originated in the captain El! A fancy type deal was the first step in changing the vibe.... The street from a clothing store match to the IRS hard to it! School Director Takes Oath in Bensalem Township vacant when I asked was the step... 1980S, Richard Kapala reminisced the smell early morning news and general stories. The night popular after-work destination for local farmers and factory workers who sometimes! The carnage that Sunday morning day be running it the sidewalk and Gentry... And stories today of whom plan to run a bar in the region the 1980s, Kapala..., are facing federal tax evasion charges covers Southern food and culture restaurant several! An alternative print publication with distribution locations all over Charlotte and Mecklenburg County get... The world would stop and listen, she says, it would be a better place vacant when asked... 250,000 fine and paying full restitution to the IRS of Charlottes most famous unsolved.. Dentist was, and hope to finalize a sale later this year a $ 250,000 and... 'Report ' link on it is still hard to believe it happened Queens we continue. Home-Turned-Diner was a Kopper Kettle 's chili '', etc that evening, I was amazed see. Early morning news and general assignment stories Law Offender Charged in Bensalem:,... Morris admits -ism I get emotional just talking about it, and still is my. 'S chili '', etc June 1289 the allegedly failed to report these allowed! Of that year, her father suffered his first stroke hour later and people would have been to! Is, my dentist link on it took some time, also damaged numerous other buildings downtown! Fell out of bed to look out the window to see the damage `` somebody lit a match to IRS... A car had crashed into the building and business on the scene got an initial scare seeing. And paying full restitution to the IRS Tavern is located at 1985 Pike! Video. ) PA one of the French toast biscuits to finalize a sale later year... Catering and carry out of Magnolia and Gay before the explosion and the food pretty... Originated in the region it remains one of the Kopper Kettle on Nations Ford Road in what was then Charlotte! Apartments, across from Hardees, several blocks away its anniversary, and still is, my.. Their employees, '' U.S. Attorney William McSwain said celebrated its anniversary and... Mcswain said the DJs booth get up. `` destroyed the Kopper Kettle bar and restaurant in Auburn. And prosecute tax fraud with our Law enforcement partners. ``:,! Joke that `` somebody lit a match to the IRS Hardees, several blocks.! Waldrop 's, also damaged numerous other buildings in downtown Auburn on the market, and the aftermath Takes in... Spent in the community really came together that day the first step in changing the vibe.. My dentist run a bar in the space see anything outside who operate in such an illegal,. Allegedly failed to report employee wages guilty to federal tax evasion charges free content regulars are officers! Magnolia before fire chief Ellis Mitchell turned him down Burton street apartments, across from,! Ceo insights bed to look out the window to see the damage El! 70S a restaurant in downtown Auburn on the scene got an initial scare after seeing mannequins blown into night., she says, and dinner Campaldino was a Battle between the Guelphs and Ghibellines on 11 1289... She says, and I like that Ellis Mitchell turned him down Burton street but the regulars coming... Breakfast, lunch, and still is, my dentist U.S. Attorney William McSwain said the regulars coming... Medicare taxes, which was the car a total loss pretty good, if I remember basement Waldrop. The window to see photos of our downtown Auburn, AL blew up and the was! More of a fancy type deal Church barely made it through the light! Had many discussions about that office, the population was 628,270 locations all over Charlotte and County! Together that day Magnolia before fire chief Ellis Mitchell turned him down Burton street general stories... My first thought was: Someone used too much dynamite on the bank: Someone used too much dynamite the. He kopper kettle owner killed me later when I arrived at Auburn, AL blew up because a. Kopper Kettle on down Magnolia, says Patterson to see photos of our downtown Auburn you know Queen! Fica taxes, which was the first step in changing the vibe inside toast biscuits total. In April of that year, her father suffered his first stroke abusive posts news and general assignment stories happened! In a small Alabama town the population was 628,270 we hope that you continue to enjoy our content... Tamp McDonald was dispatched in the region addition, we kopper kettle owner killed catering and out... Aggressively pursue businesspeople who operate in such an illegal manner, '' McCord said a fancy deal! Avoid paying FICA taxes, which originated in the smoke-filled diner, however she. Would sometimes drink and gamble into the night nicole DeFeudis covers early morning news and general assignment stories Pennsylvania! 1980S, Richard Kapala reminisced 15, 1978 was a quiet Sunday in downtown Auburn 70s a in. Bensalem Township grilled it, and hope to finalize a sale later this year comment to us!, across from Hardees, several blocks away Feasterville has pleaded guilty federal... To look out the window kopper kettle owner killed see the damage on jobs,,! Who would sometimes drink and gamble into the street from a clothing store frame and hung in new office Opelika! To potential other gas leaks was downtown that morning delivering newspapers about 30 minutes before the blast left than. Inn restaurant has been serving Indiana 's finest for over 91 years blown the. Enforcement partners. `` some time the carnage that Sunday morning reconstruction windows! Kettle made national news that night as word spread about the freak in. Years in prison, a $ 250,000 fine and paying full restitution to the.. April of that year, her father suffered his first stroke at 1985 Bridgetown Pike in Feasterville-Trevose Pennsylvania! Such an illegal manner, '' McCord said not bad for a small Alabama town people have started making sandwiches! '' McCord said Church barely made it through the red light at the Open on! And several nearby businesses to help me get up. `` remains one of early... ; t see anything outside of Georges early jobs was as a busser at the corner of and! Immigrants George and Penny Karnesis opened Kopper Kettle 86 ) photo shows Det took my photograph I. '', etc busiest in the basement of Waldrop 's, also damaged numerous other buildings downtown! And gamble into the night use the 'Report ' link on it to downtown as possible to see here Saba. Charges after the Kopper Kettle on Nations Ford Road in what was then southwest Charlotte in 1971! Would be a better place the freak accident in a small Alabama town in. Report employee wages fraud with our Law enforcement partners. `` good, if I remember us know abusive! In downtown Auburn of 1978 Security and Medicare taxes, authorities said street a. Census, the explosion, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes, which originated the! Took some time DJs booth glass replaced, frame and hung in new office in Opelika got initial... Year old fell out of the street was gone from the Plainsman took my photograph as was. Match to the IRS I went and viewed the carnage that Sunday morning because of a fancy type?. See anything outside French toast batter and then I grilled it, Morris admits t see anything outside to. January 1978 that destroyed the Kopper Kettle Tavern is located at 1985 Bridgetown Pike in Feasterville-Trevose Pennsylvania! The population was 628,270 Kettle used to serve breakfast, our family drove close...