Community rallies around Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery after devastating fire
October 3, 2024 at 12:20 p.m.
On Sept. 27, a devastating fire broke out at Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery, a cherished establishment on Metamora’s Main Street owned by Donna Monroe. The fire was first noticed by Connie Ragle, the owner of Grannie’s Cookie Jar, located just across the canal from Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery. She acted swiftly and called 911 upon seeing smoke billowing from the building. Meanwhile, neighbors at the Martindale House Restaurant and Tavern and Trent Gentry rushed to assist, grabbing a fire extinguisher and water hose in an attempt to contain the flames erupting on the side of Monroe’s establishment. The Metamora Volunteer Fire Department responded promptly, with additional support from the Brookville and Laurel fire departments, to tackle the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
After Ragle made the emergency call to 911, she contacted Monroe to inform her of the situation. Monroe rushed to the location, praying the whole way the building would still be standing when she arrived. Fortunately, firefighters confined the fire to one section of the building and rafters, significantly minimizing the potential damage. Within approximately an hour, the fire was extinguished. Monroe expressed her gratitude for their quick response and hard work.
Monroe is uncertain about the complete scope of the damage to the building and the estimated time for repairs. However, preparations were well underway for the annual Canal Days Festival Oct. 5-7 in Metamora, a huge source of income for shopowners in the little canal town. Monroe had already prepared a large quantity of fudge and candy for the event and had just received a substantial shipment of chocolate for both Canal Days and Christmas Walk. Unfortunately, all the products must be discarded, and Monroe will have to start from scratch. However, Monroe is staying positive.
“I could be upset and let myself fall apart, but that won’t do any good,” Monroe said. “I am just taking it one day at a time and can’t wait to get back to what I do best, being a candymaker.”
The Indiana State Fire Marshal will be onsite Monday to determine the cause of the fire, and then Monroe plans to start cleaning up what she can. In addition, she will be working off-site to make as much of her signature fudge and candy as possible so she can set up at least some products outside her building during Canal Days.
The close-knit community of Metamora has wasted no time rallying around Monroe, showing their support. On Saturday, in partnership with Cincinnati Cycle Club and Whitewater Canal Trail, Third Place in Metamora served a German dinner, allowing patrons to make a free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting Monroe. Mick Wilz delivered a check for $3,000 ($2,600 in community donations) after the benefit dinner. Additionally, Matt and Lisa Bedel, owners of One-Stop Marathon and Bedel’s Grocery in Laurel and Pavey’s in Metamora, have placed donation buckets at their cash registers.
Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and Monroe assures everyone the legacy will continue. She began working at Mr. Fudge’s when she was 14 and worked side by side with owner Sid Ekdale for 20 years. When Ekdale passed away, Monroe learned he left her the confectionery in his will, making it her heart and soul for 45 years. Monroe said how grateful she was to have been left the business and how excited she was, and still is, to continue what Ekdale began.
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On Sept. 27, a devastating fire broke out at Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery, a cherished establishment on Metamora’s Main Street owned by Donna Monroe. The fire was first noticed by Connie Ragle, the owner of Grannie’s Cookie Jar, located just across the canal from Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery. She acted swiftly and called 911 upon seeing smoke billowing from the building. Meanwhile, neighbors at the Martindale House Restaurant and Tavern and Trent Gentry rushed to assist, grabbing a fire extinguisher and water hose in an attempt to contain the flames erupting on the side of Monroe’s establishment. The Metamora Volunteer Fire Department responded promptly, with additional support from the Brookville and Laurel fire departments, to tackle the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.
After Ragle made the emergency call to 911, she contacted Monroe to inform her of the situation. Monroe rushed to the location, praying the whole way the building would still be standing when she arrived. Fortunately, firefighters confined the fire to one section of the building and rafters, significantly minimizing the potential damage. Within approximately an hour, the fire was extinguished. Monroe expressed her gratitude for their quick response and hard work.
Monroe is uncertain about the complete scope of the damage to the building and the estimated time for repairs. However, preparations were well underway for the annual Canal Days Festival Oct. 5-7 in Metamora, a huge source of income for shopowners in the little canal town. Monroe had already prepared a large quantity of fudge and candy for the event and had just received a substantial shipment of chocolate for both Canal Days and Christmas Walk. Unfortunately, all the products must be discarded, and Monroe will have to start from scratch. However, Monroe is staying positive.
“I could be upset and let myself fall apart, but that won’t do any good,” Monroe said. “I am just taking it one day at a time and can’t wait to get back to what I do best, being a candymaker.”
The Indiana State Fire Marshal will be onsite Monday to determine the cause of the fire, and then Monroe plans to start cleaning up what she can. In addition, she will be working off-site to make as much of her signature fudge and candy as possible so she can set up at least some products outside her building during Canal Days.
The close-knit community of Metamora has wasted no time rallying around Monroe, showing their support. On Saturday, in partnership with Cincinnati Cycle Club and Whitewater Canal Trail, Third Place in Metamora served a German dinner, allowing patrons to make a free-will donation, with all proceeds benefiting Monroe. Mick Wilz delivered a check for $3,000 ($2,600 in community donations) after the benefit dinner. Additionally, Matt and Lisa Bedel, owners of One-Stop Marathon and Bedel’s Grocery in Laurel and Pavey’s in Metamora, have placed donation buckets at their cash registers.
Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, and Monroe assures everyone the legacy will continue. She began working at Mr. Fudge’s when she was 14 and worked side by side with owner Sid Ekdale for 20 years. When Ekdale passed away, Monroe learned he left her the confectionery in his will, making it her heart and soul for 45 years. Monroe said how grateful she was to have been left the business and how excited she was, and still is, to continue what Ekdale began.