This was really sad news. A barn at the scenic Helmstetter’s Curve visible from the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has burned down.
The Cumberland Times-News reports:
CUMBERLAND — Fire of an unknown origin destroyed a barn on Cash Valley Road late Thursday and injured the owner as he tried to free his cattle from the burning structure.
John Helmstetter suffered burns in the 11:20 p.m. incident and was taken to Memorial Hospital by the LaVale Rescue Squad. He was released following treatment for injuries to his left arm and right hand, according to the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Several cattle and a dog perished in the fire, which destroyed the 50-by-100-foot heavy timber barn at 11515 Cash Valley Road…
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Deputy Fire Marshal Ed Ernst.
How You Can Help
Some railfan friends at Trainorders.com have launched The John Helmstetter Farm Fund:
For over a century, the Helmstetter family has farmed the land on Cash Valley Road near Cumberland, Maryland. John Helmstetter is the third generation of the family to operate the farm.
The centerpiece of the farm was the large barn located near Western Maryland Railroad’s famous Helmstetters Curve. The barn has been featured in countless photos taken from the early days of steam through recent railfan specials. On July 9, 2009, a fire swept through the historic structure. Twelve cows and John’s best friend, his border collie Teddy, perished in the blaze. John was injured trying to save his animals.
Click here to visit the The John Helmstetter Farm Fund web site. You can make a difference by ordering a limited edition print, making a donation, buying a ticket for a special photo-freight train, or purchasing a soon-to-be-available DVD.
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