Two days ago on Thursday at about 10 a.m. I checked my email and saw a photo with the caption “Boodles explodes” that I thought surely was some type of horrible joke…a hoax. Frantically, I searched the internet only to learn that sure enough, a devastating explosion took place at 8:12 a.m. that morning that demolished several apartments and amazing businesses housed in the most spectacular historic buildings. Among them, the beloved children’s boutique, LillyLu. In the 24 hours to follow, I received numerous phone calls of concern for Sheryl and LillyLu from all over the state. We all share in Sheryl’s loss of her beautiful store, but take solace in the fact that everyone at LillyLu is alive and safe.
It was only days before that I stood on the sidewalk in front of LillyLu to snap a picture of the refreshing Springtime window display (see my previous blogpost) and now all that remains is smoldering rubble. This image posted on the internet shows the immediate aftermath and the buildings as they stood last summer:
Yesterday, having had appointments in Bozeman, I had to see the reality for myself and to tell you the truth, it still hasn’t really sunk in…the sight is so unbelievable. Nearly three blocks of Main Street were closed with detours in every direction. The National Guard was on duty at various outposts. From the back alley, I managed to get into The Mackenzie River Pizza Company, located just across the street from the blast. Their back door was open, but they were officially closed and having an employee meeting. Still, they allowed me access to the foyer to snap a few photos. Here is what I saw:
This last image shows the burned out American Legion building and the few bricks that remain of the 2-story building LillyLu and the Montana Dance Company were housed in. Neighboring Boodles Restaurant and The Montana Trails Gallery both west of LillyLu… also gone. The crews and search dogs are now searching for one woman who remains missing and my heart goes out to her family and friends. As devastating as this is, I keep reminding myself what a blessing it is that everyone else is safe even if businesses and jobs were lost. The tragedy could have been far worse, the loss of lives huge. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of the building owners, business owners and employees, to the apartment dwellers who have lost their homes and especially to the family of the missing woman.
Bozeman’s Main Street is truly an American jewel and many of our fondest memories have been created there. Our family has enjoyed too many fabulous dinners and celebrations at Boodles to count. We have purchased fine art from the stunning Montana Trails Gallery. Our twins studied ballet at the Montana Ballet Co. when they were just three years old…and then there are my memories of LillyLu…countless memories going back nearly 10 years…which I will honor in a separate blogpost in the next few days…
Until the clean up is complete, until the missing woman is found, we will continue to pray for healing of all those affected. We hope and pray you will find the strength to rebuild, to begin anew… We will find strength and remember our joys through our memories of Main Street. Memories of very special places filled with very special people and special times.
by Susann
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