Do you have any stories from that day? COVID brought some changes, of course. 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. Many of her regulars are police officers and firefighters. 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. The Greek Salad (above) is so massive, it comes on a platter. Morris laughs as she recalls that when she originally convinced her dad to create a non-smoking section, he designated two booths in the smoke-filled room because they were nearest the door. (Photo by Ryan Pitkin) A bird's-eye-view picture of the restaurant and the land around it that was taken in 1971 hangs on the wall near the cash register today, and it shows just how isolated the Kopper Kettle was three residential trailers are all that can be seen nearby. It remains one of Charlottes most famous unsolved murders. By the Grace of Godnot a life was lost. We look forward to making your everyday meal or your special moment extraordinary! It was an attorney's office, not a dentist. It had a liquor license and a lively bar, but by the late 1990s, George and Penny decided to serve just breakfast and lunch. In the seventies after graduation and being away for several years my husband wrote a series of essays about being a student at Auburn. Keep it Clean. All rights reserved. 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. Knock my wife out of bed at the BSU on college. The most comprehensive restaurant menus & dish reviews site - Zmenu Kopper Kettle, Morristown: See 94 unbiased reviews of Kopper Kettle, rated 4 of 5 on Tripadvisor and ranked #1 of 5 restaurants in Morristown. 4,339 were here. That was the concern; nobody knew where they were at.. Be Proactive. In 1964, Richards father, Karol, and a co-owner bought the bar. The streets were empty as Jim Patterson, an Auburn student, made his way from his apartment on Thach Avenue to St. Dunstans Episcopal Church on nearby Magnolia Avenue to catch the morning worship service. 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. Many of the businesses had not opened yet, but there were students living in apartments above those businesses. "The bank thermometer there said 25 degrees. We were all so grateful that there were no fatalities, Patterson says. We learn about the restaurant serving Hoosiers and guests for 91 years, how to keep traditions alive while staying relevant, and thoughts about buying an existing restaurant. So I dozed back to sleep! We will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute tax fraud with our law enforcement partners.". His diploma ended up on the library lawn (if I recall) and his bar papers DID end up in his mother's yard, wherever that was. It turns out running a caf filled with regulars suited her. In the 1970s and 80s, the Kapalas served roast beef and ham sandwiches to nearby workers on lunch break. Thank you for reading! Compare now on Rent By Owner Long ago, the Kopper Kettle Inn Restaurant put Morristown on gourmets' list from coast to coast as a stop on Route 52 where a fine meal may be enjoyed in a delightfully restful setting. Would you be interested in looking at it? My mom drove through the intersection 20-30 minutes prior, on her way to the Baptist Church a block away. First the lights flickered. 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. We are a restaurant specializing in American style foods. Other circumstances have changed the face of the restaurant over the years, including one that almost wiped the whole place out. "The boys from Station 2 come driving up there in the truck, and they thought it was just people laying out there in the road.". The Kopper Kettle used to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I just thought about it. Had glass replaced, frame and hung in new office in Opelika. When Penny calls during our interview to find out what time Morris will pick up her dad, the conversation is half in Greek, half in English. "I thought somebody was beating the door, just messing with me on the bathroom doors.". Auburns was all greasy spoon and stuff. Compare pay for popular roles and read about the team's work-life balance. I love this place., Were sitting at a booth near the front door of the original dining room on a rainy Tuesday morning, and throughout our conversation Morris has to pause to ring up customers as they leave, chatting each one up as if theyre family. "The defendants' practice of paying their employees in cash, concealing this from the IRS, and failing to collect and pay federal employment taxes, undermines the integrity of the federal income tax system and harms those who play by the rules.". That was the worst we had. One of which is about the Kopper Kettle. Now the Kapalas hire a DJ to spin tracks on Friday and Saturday nights. One elderly white couple tries to keep up as she explains the restaurants annual celebration of International Jorts Day, which the Kettle staff celebrates on May 24. The large, quaint house is a veritable art museum - housing fascinating collection of art objects from many parts of the world - all tastefully displayed from beautiful antique furnishings and artifacts. An Irish band plays from 2 to 8 p.m., but some regulars arrive early in the morning to claim their tables. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Perhaps it suffered for our sins. Customers range in age from 21 to 90, the Kapalas said. I thought a minute"Yeah?" Morris takes pride in the large portions. Were not going anywhere, Laurel said. I was sleeping late that morning as usual. I get emotional just talking about it, Morris admits. She had a perfectly good career already, as a counselor. Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! Flights . The dentist was, and still is, my dentist. It was an event that I will always remember. After a couple hours in the restaurant, its clear why Morris never could bring herself to sell it. 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. It was so cold, Lawrence got stuck to the sidewalk after getting sprayed from the ladder truck while working a hand line on the ground. The anniversary and a sermon given shortly after the blast by the Rev. LOWELL It may soon be last call at Cappys Copper Kettle. Cool. "I was driving the ladder truck that day, and I jumped in the ladder truck and started out.". This year, the Kapalas will participate in the tradition for the last time. "Our tax system requires businesspeople to truthfully report the wages paid to their employees," U.S. Attorney William McSwain said. I remember people showing up at our house with charts and billing statements to give my parents, and other things they found in their yards! 1,687 were here. They're still open. Oh, and now we have video.). Photo #85 is me! I got up to go to church and had pretty much forgotten about it. Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. I just thought he was getting me too close there. Get our Weekly recap with the latest news, articles and resources. The blast left more than 70 businesses damaged, and one small town reeling. the manager and supposedly the owner, and being told they couldn't give a discount, we received a 3% discount. I remember associating the other one with upscale after church eating. Even into her 90s, Brooks and her friends had their own table at the bar. It took minutes for them to help me get up.". Another witness, a Vietnam veteran, said that it was the most devastating aftermath he had witnessed since returning from the war. Im so thankful Auburn was small and slow back then. "When I came through the intersection there at Gay Street and Mag, I could smell a little natural gas.". I think he left me a $20 tip he felt so bad.. Ells have been added, porches attached, stairways built, and patios and gardens laid out. Thanks for the great pics and the memories. We were going to the office after church to do a filling on my mother! ..Awesome finds, Jeremy. Your email address will not be published. In 1981, the bar expanded into the space next door. They're spirits of loved ones, Lowell Catholic boys basketball team blows out Belchertown, Toddler safe, car theft suspects apprehended, No end in sight for case involving Dracut doc charged with patient's death, MVC girls basketball: Dracut's Ashlee Talbot named Div. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. 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. My dads dental office was above the Kopper Kettle (Dr. James L. Carroll)! While the devastation to downtown Auburn shocking, that no one died or suffered a serious injury from the explosion was the most remarkable thing about that day. Think I have some color photos somewhere. They were only open for takeout for a few months, then reopened with half the seats taped off. (SUN/Julia Malakie)A couple chairs down, 63-year-old Luis Velazquez clutched a Michelob Ultra. They've been there forever. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. My family was living in Willow Creek out on Highway 14. Then about five months in I was like, Theres no way I can sell it. Kopper Kettle Bistro Unclaimed Review Save Share 2 reviews #46 of 51 Restaurants in Beaumont 1518 Four Seasons Cir Beaumont, CA, Beaumont, CA 92223-3100 +1 951-845-3550 Website Open now : 07:00 AM - 7:00 PM See all (5) Enhance this page - Upload photos! The room was about 20 x 10 feet. Shes got a whole sheaf of notes in a drawer by the cash register with things her father, now 84, tells her. The bar no longer serves food, but the regulars keep coming. 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. We serve anything from wings. Deceptive and after the fact additional costs not disclosed on menu. Downtown looked like a war zone. He told me it was. Three sides had glass. He sleepily said, "Must be somebody lighting dynamite in the parking lot." This production is made possible with the help of the following: Recorded with Terri Stacy. Failure to report these wages allowed the restaurant to avoid paying FICA taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes, authorities said. The Copper Kettle opened as a bar in the late 1930s. that is degrading to another person. For this speech, Patterson will talk about what he witnessed at both the Kopper Kettle explosion in Auburn, and on 9/11 when he worked in Washington D.C. as a diplomat. I can say that I was rocked by the song and also by the Kopper Kettle.. An hour later and people would have been going to church. I remember the one at Brookwood, too. Notice the new Lincoln Continental still with dealer tag on it. Saradina Morris didnt plan to spend her life running a small caf surrounded by warehouses and industrial parks outside Pineville. How no one was hurt or killed is beyond my comprehension. Richard and Laurel Kapala both work about seven days per week. The lot was still vacant when I arrived at Auburn, for Fall of 1978. - Pelican Parts Technical BBS, VIDEO: 1984 profile on Auburn basketball coach Sonny Smith, VIDEO: Aubies hot tub harem and other behind-the-scenes highlights from 1987-88, First-class bloodbathThat time Pat Dye maybe made Auburn play two A-Day games, Heres eight minutes of Tiger Walk for the 1990 Florida State game. Dale H. Wow, some incredible pictures. KATHLEEN PURVIS is a longtime Charlotte writer who covers Southern food and culture. accounts, the history behind an article. Hes frequented the bar for years, and visits the Kapalas at least four or five days per week. 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. Don't forget to call and make your reservations for the holidays! It felt like a car had crashed into the building under my bedroom window. You can help keep more like it coming by becoming a TWER patron. Hello, Great photos of the Toomers explosion. Uncover why Kopper Kettle is the best company for you. He thought a small plane had crashed into the downtown area. A gas leak caused the explosion in January 1978 that destroyed the Kopper Kettle restaurant and several nearby businesses. Thought I recognized Nancy. I was routed around the downtown area.. 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. That old 68 Nova shook pretty hard! It BLEW UP!" Further investigation revealed windows 1-upstairs, the other downstairs had blown out of my apartment in Woodland Terrace, on Armstrong St. between Thach & Hare Avenues. So how is being a counselor similar to running a restaurant? 12/30/2022. PhillyVoice Staff. Bucks County is a county located Southeast in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Have a blowup of that photo hanging on my wall today. [] in the late 70s a restaurant in downtown Auburn, AL blew up because of a gas leak. There was a dentists office along with an attorneys office on the second floor over the Kopper Kettle.. They have the best snapper soup in the region! Copyright Indiana Owned 2023. The couple has listed the building and business on the market, and hope to finalize a sale later this year. My first thought was: Someone used too much dynamite on the bank. Thank you for signing in! Its like a slice of Lowell, George Saba, a 66-year-old Cappys regular, said as he sipped coffee at the counter on a recent Wednesday morning. Throughout the 70s and 80s, the location served as a wholesome family diner by day and a bar and lounge by night. Every day, something happens, Laurel Kapala said, recalling more silly stories. On Sunday morning, January 15, 1978, half a block of businesses on East Magnolia Avenue in downtown Auburn blew the hell up (kapow, boom, war-zone), chief am. People are also reading Your email address will not be published. For 34 years, the bar gave about $10,000 a year to a scholarship fund for local high school students college education. Required fields are marked *, Like this story? Who actually made the catch remains a mystery, Richard Kapala said with a laugh. I was the cleanup boy at the drugstore . When I saw the bricks and wood flying in the air above the buildings at Gay and Magnolia. person will not be tolerated. We hope that you enjoy our free content. WOW! It was a miracle that it happened when the damage was to property not people. They renamed it Cappys Copper Kettle, after Karols nickname. A family style fine dining restaurant, known for its famous pan fried chicken, delicious. Not sorry they got caught. Award-winning Alabama Living is the official statewide publication of the electric cooperatives in Alabama and the largest magazine of its type in the state, reaching some 400,000 electric cooperative consumers. I've heard rumors it's already sold. A friend of mine, Richard W. said he had walked down to Toomer's Corner for a paper about 30 minutes before the blast. Use the 'Report' link on There was a Kopper Kettle in Brookwood Mall at that time, and the food was pretty good, if I remember. and au jus (!!). 40th anniversary: Kopper Kettle explosion still reverberates today, Notice of Public Hearing - 801 Ogletree Road, Auburn Roundup: Arbor Day celebration on tap for Saturday, Auburn Public Library hosting Multilingual Story Time on Saturday, Steve Foote, Auburn's planning director, passes away, Tigers, Trojans close out series with a rare tie game, ACS Board of Education approves elementary rezoning. Its a memory Ill never forget, says Patterson. We figure its time to retire and move on, Richard Kapala said. 1978 THE KOPPER KETTLE EXPLODED. "For our federal tax system to work properly, businesses need to accurately report the wages paid to their employees," McSwain said. As much time as she spent in the smoke-filled diner, however, she never imagined shed one day be running it. I was at the corner of Mitcham Ave. and North Gay St. going over the railroad tracks when this happened. "I was kind of stuck. Larry was in his building on the second floor when all this occurred. I was just 3 years old when this happened but believe it or not ive got a good memory of it happening because i recall listening to my mom and dad have conversations with their friends about it . (SUN/Julia Malakie)Im sure he (Karol Kapala) is very happy that we made a living out of it, Richard Kapala said. "Having never been in war or anything like that, I certainly didnt know exactly how to interpret that. 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