A true Hoboken landmark seriously damaged
I woke up just before 5:00 AM to that distinct smell of an electrical fire and burning wood. Moments later I heard the sirens and the commotion. Later in the morning I found out that the fire started in the second floor apartment over Helmer’s Café (1036 Washington St, Hoboken) just around the corner from my house.
Initial reports said that, despite the horrific damage to all of the residences upstairs, fire fighters were able to rescue everyone in the building and the restaurant appeared to be in good shape. That made me happy until I took a walk around to see it for myself.
As I turned the corner, right away I could see the water damage on the side wall and window. Peeking inside, my stomach turned at the sight of it all. Yes it is true that the restaurant was spared by the fire, but not the smoke or the deluge of water needed to fight the blaze. Gazing up I could see how intense this fire was by the seared and melted window frames and the scared brickface clear up to the top floor.
I would find out from another bystander that the fire started from either a faulty outlet or extension cord or the combination. These old buildings, though filled with charm, do scare me sometimes. I’ve wanted to get an electrician in to check my outlets for a while. Now more than ever.
A few of us just stood there zoned-out and gazing trying to make sense of it. We traded stories of dinners here and expressed our concerns for the residents. Helmer’s was not only a Hoboken landmark since 1935, the building was home to many folks.
I didn’t take any pictures. I could see the devastation on the faces of those who lived and worked here. I felt it would have been disrespectful of me. Still there is a sense of hope here that the owners will restore both the restaurant and the building. And when they do finally reopen, I will be there for a cold beer and Schinkenbrot mit Münster Käse.
With so few historic places left in this town, it would be a shame to lose this one.
