Bio: Sauder, Ammon
(Rebuilding after fire - 1984)
Contact: Kathleen E. Englebretson
Email:
kathy@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Sauder, Brubaker, Schrock, Peterson
---Source: Marshfield News-Herald (10 January 1984)
Sauder, Ammon
WITHEE- Life will never return to the way it was, Ammon Sauder said sadly
Monday afternoon.
A Few feet away friends, neighbors and some new acquaintances were
attempting to restore a degree of normalcy. Walls were being erected for a
new farmhouse just east of where the Sauders lived until three weeks ago
when fire destroyed their home and killed five of their children.
"It'll never be back to normal." the soft-spoken Sauder said amid the
pounding of hammers meeting nails and electric saws buzzing. "It'll get back
to more normal but will never be the same."
Few outward signs remain from the December 20 tragedy. The charred,
ice-covered remnants were cleaned away. The intense cold of that fateful day
had given way to warmer, more promising temperatures.
The intense misery was still there, however, as Suader talked about the
generosity his wife, Ellen, and their four surviving children have
experienced. He seemed overwhelmed by the number and amount of
contributions, 90 to 95 percent of them, he estimated, from people he
doesn't even know.
"I really don't know what to say, we're glad for everything," Sauder said.
The contributions were still arriving at the State Bank in Withee. By last
night $133,179 had been received.
The funds will more than cover the building expenses, said Town of Longwood
Chairman Jim Peterson, who helped organize the funding effort.
"There'll be money left over, but that's OK." he said.
As Sauder talked about that generosity, a horse waited patiently nearby. The
animal was attached to one f several buggies crowded in the Sauder's yard
which had transported workers to the farm.
While obviously appreciative, Sauder said he was surprised by the number of
men who had come to build his family's new home.
But, there they were, more than 30 men. Many of them wearing dark black,
brown or blue clothing, shared Sauder's Mennonite faith. Most were from the
Owen, Withee, Thorp and Greenwood areas-- some from as close as a few miles,
others from as far as northern Indiana.
"It's quite a turnout." said Harvey Brubaker, Thorp. who had the job of
supervising the large crew.
"I was only used to managing a crew of six," he said. "It's quite different
to manage a crew of two to three dozen."
Except for possibly a few chilly fingers and toes, there were few problems,
however.
By early afternoon the floor and east wall were already in place over the
cement basement constructed last week. a half hour later, Brubaker gave the
signal and 18 volunteers raised the west wall. Others checked to make sure
it was square with the world and erected supports, then the group prepared
the house's third wall.
Raymond Schrock was one of those helping. He had arrived early in the
afternoon with three other men from Goshen, Indiana. Schrock said he didn't
know the Sauders, but belongs to the same church and felt an obligation to
help.
"Brotherly love," Schrock responded when asked why he felt that way. "Even
if you don't expect something to be done back yourself, you can give it."
Schrock said his group would be staying with friends in the area until they
leave Friday.
By the end of the afternoon, all four walls of the 32x46 foot, two story
house were up and, depending on the weather, Brubaker expected to have the
roof finished by the weekend.
After seeing what progress had been made, Peterson said, "There's no
stopping 'em now; there's no question."
DONORS THANKED
WITHEE-- With $133,179 already received, the Ammon and Ellen Sauder family
issued a formal letter of appreciation Monday to area residents..
The family's home was destroyed by fire December 20 and five of nine
children were killed.
"A big thank you to all the dear people who responded and remembered us with
generous donations during our tragedy," the letter said.
"Also for you love and prayers which are helping us meet each new days.
Sincere thanks and God bless all of you."
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