Gin’s Tavern in Factoryville, Wyoming County was tragically destroyed by a fire on May 19, 2014. However, the community of Scranton came together to show their love and support for the beloved family-run restaurant, launching a benefit at the Fleetville Volunteer Fire Department that offered food, music, and plenty of memories. Despite the devastation of the fire, locals were determined to do their part to stay close to the establishment they consider a second home.
Gin’s Tavern in Factoryville, Wyoming County, was destroyed by a fire on May 19, 2014. Despite the tragedy, people who call the establishment their second home rallied to organize a benefit at the Fleetville Volunteer Fire Department to support the rebuilding process. The event was filled with food, live music, and good memories, as many gathered to commemorate the beloved restaurant. Sherry Sakosky of Scranton recounted fond memories of Gin’s Tavern: “No matter what we did, whether it be dinner or listening to music, it was always a fun time and you’d always meet someone new or see an old friend.” With the generous help of the community, Gin’s Tavern is now on track to be rebuilt and continue being a place for shared memories.
Mallory Griggs, benefit coordinator, was proud to see the community come together in support of Gin’s Tavern. “It hasn’t been short of volunteers and donations, people of all aspects coming together,” she said. “It’s been really amazing, and I think it’s a testament to who they are that everyone wants to be so involved and so willing to help because, at some point, they’ve probably received that from them as well.” The motto at Gin’s since 1955 has been ‘You’re a stranger but once,’ and this was certainly true for those who attended the benefit. Everyone was happy to do their part to help get their favorite place back in business.
The community of Scranton rallied together to support the family-run restaurant, Gin’s, in their time of need. After a devastating fire, Holly Smith and the other organizers managed to surprise the owners with some special items that were lost in the blaze. The generous donations included a new stained glass window, outdoor signs, and an exact replica of Mark’s beloved guitar. Owner Sandy Kostick expressed her joy as she exclaimed, “Gin’s is our first home, we all have homes, but Gin’s is our home, so we are all going to go home soon.” Clearly, the people of Scranton are proud to have such an incredible establishment in their town.
The generous donations from the benefit will be instrumental in helping to rebuild Gin’s Tavern and provide support to those employees affected by the fire. This kind gesture of giving is yet another example of how the community comes together in times of need. To find out more about this cause, be sure to check out WNEP’s YouTube channel!
The outpour of support towards the rebuilding process of Gin’s Tavern in Scranton is evidence of the unique bond that the citizens of the town have with each other. Despite the tragedy, it was an impressive display of generosity and community spirit that pushed them to help create something even better out of the devastation. From a new stained glass window to a perfect replica of one of Mark’s long-lost guitars, the sheer kindness and selflessness of the people illustrate the special area that Gin’s Tavern has held in the hearts of the locals for decades. Indeed, thanks to the hard work and dedication of those who attended the benefit, what was once destroyed will soon become defined by what was preserved and is sure to remain a beloved spot for everyone in town.
