Fire destroys scrapbook store

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the cause.

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Scrapbook enthusiasts will have to find another spot for their specialty items.

An early-morning fire Thursday destroyed the stock of Memories Plus, a scrapbook supply store on U.S. Route 422 in Union Township.

Owner Glenda Ryder of Mercer County said everything inside the building is a loss. In business for the last six years, Ryder said she carried many specialty items such as school logos for Lawrence and Mahoning county schools including items for Poland and Hubbard schools.

Memories Plus was the only locally owned scrapbook store in the region, she said.

Ryder said she had been open for business Wednesday and on New Year’s eve. She suspects the blaze started in the building’s furnace.

Firefighters were called to the store at 4:06 a.m. Thursday.

Union Township Fire Chief Steve Stasko said the Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal was called to investigate. Mahoning and Pulaski township firefighters were called to help with the blaze.

Stasko said a passer-by noticed smoke and called for help.

Stasko said the cold weather hampered some of their efforts to get the water flow established from nearby hydrants. They were on the scene for about three hours, he said.

The building is owned by Ryder’s parents, Anthony and Mary Safranic, who live across the highway from the building. It had previously been a banquet hall and for years was the Back to the 50s Diner.