| Jack Allen, owner of The J & J Antique Gallery, was treated last
week for injuries he received when the gallery’s snow-packed roof
caved in. Aubrey Shepard was nearby at the time of the accident,
but she wasn’t hurt and called 911. Allen opened the store promptly at 8 that morning, and Aubrey was already waiting to get in. “I was there early to get something for my mom’s birthday,” Aubrey said. “Dad said we hadn’t had enough family time lately, and I wanted to make it a really special party.” Allen said it was a cold morning. “I was starting a fire when I heard a cracking sound from the ceiling,” he said. As a large portion of the roof crashed down, Allen tried to run clear of the debris. Aubrey, who was in another room, ran to help. When the dust settled, Allen’s left leg was pinned under some heavy boards. “This may sound crazy to some people, but I believe God’s hand was all over that event,” he said. “It’s a miracle no one was badly hurt.” Aubrey stopped by Allen’s hospital room many times over the next two days. “On that first night, her entire family celebrated Mrs. Shepard’s birthday in my hospital room!” Allen said. Aubrey said she got her wish. “It was a special party after all!” Meanwhile, back at the gallery, workers cleared away rubble and found an old wooden plaque. Allen examined it later and found that it commemorated Betsy Ross sewing the first U.S. flag in 1776. “I called the gallery’s former manager, and he said that he had hidden the plaque in the ceiling,” Allen said. “It’s on display now. Who knows what other treasures we’ll find in this place?” |
