kodakcollector - Posted - 01/17/2025:  06:15:33

Best for Arthur to answer this. From what I was told. This was the shop. Entirely burnt to the ground with a total loss of everything inside.

The wall closest to the proper tank had a propane heater mounted on the wall that malfunctioned. Causing the fire.

From Arthur. "last night I was setting in the house eating and seen some light outside that wasn't normal went to the back door and flames were already burning high from the shop to much to try to go in thought it was going to get my mobile home also they are so close together but thank God it didn't. I had just got 4 necks and a4 resonators back from Andy Todd who just finished them all burned them all and every tool I had big and small."

The smaller building in the background is a storage shed that also was untouched. The current plan is to add a small shop onto it.

Yesterday, gofundme accepted Arthur's bank for transfers and donations are finally on the way too him.

He has a team of volunteers. Hopefully construction will get underway as soon as possible. 

I hope this information helps a little. Thanks for all the donations.

sold1ode - Posted - 01/17/2025:  06:31:53

Very sad news. Sending you my best from up here in Canada. I owned one of your fine banjos and am hoping you'll be able to recover from this. best, J

drifty - Posted - 01/17/2025:  07:34:06

This breaks my heart Arthur. But I know you will press on because that's what you do.

I have been in Arthur's shop many times having work done. Many tools in there were custom made that Arthur created for certain jobs, like a heel cutting jig to fit a neck perfectly to the pot and adjust the action. Things like that can't be bought at Harbor Freight or anywhere else. But just getting the basics back will be a good start. The GoFundMe will be a huge help at getting that going.

keeppracticing - Posted - 01/17/2025:  08:03:31

Hi Arthur,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, prayers and big hug. Just made a small donation to the gofundme, hope you're able to stay strong and rebuild!
God bless,
Eric

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/17/2025:  08:05:15

Thank you very much. Every bit bit helps and is greatly appreciated!

85 Gold Star - Posted - 01/17/2025:  08:12:47

I am so sorry this happened. Praying for you.

HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 01/17/2025:  08:48:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by drifty

Things like that can't be bought at Harbor Freight ... 

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Harbor Freight?  For the love of humanity no!!!

Arthur Hatfield - Posted - 01/17/2025:  10:59:48

I would like to express my very deepest thanks and gratitude to all my friends and hangout family members for all they have done for me money donations, offers to donate tools, offers to rebuild building and to wire it and all kinds of things.There are still a lot of very good people in the world even with all the mean things that are happening. Banjo Hangout has some of the best and Im glad to be part of this family. I would like to say a special thanks to Charlie Kamerman who started the go fund me account. Again I would like to thank everyone for all they have done and nice things people have said to me and about me.

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/17/2025:  12:03:00

Arthur, you are very welcome and most deserving.

A special thanks to all contributors.

Best regards charlie

maurodanielrossi - Posted - 01/17/2025:  14:11:40

Arthur, I'm deeply sorry to hear about the recent fire. In addition to GoFundMe, if there's anything you need or any way I can support you, please don't hesitate to reach out. I own one of your builds and it is truly a masterpiece. A pleasure to play. Take care, and know that better days are ahead.

JohnnyT - Posted - 01/17/2025:  15:46:42

Mr. Hatfield I am truly sorry that happened to you and your beautiful instruments. Thank The Lord the fire didn’t spread the house. I will keep you in my prayers.

Timron - Posted - 01/17/2025:  19:26:23

Arthur… the banjo you let me play there tuesday is in my head. Give me a shot at that one ??

Realbluegrassfan - Posted - 01/17/2025:  20:17:34

quote:

---

Originally posted by From Greylock to Bean Blossom

Here is the Shed.

Ken

---

Been in that dusty little shop a few times, every time a treat.

Dale Diehl - Posted - 01/24/2025:  06:06:52

Now some good news. I've heard from a reliable source that Arthur has purchased building, and has had a swarm of carpenters and electricians buzzing about his place to get him back in business. As for the tools and inventory that is another matter.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/24/2025:  07:06:28

Leaving in 2 minutes for Burton Ridge in sunny 15 degree southern indiana temps.

Looking forward to seeing the man!

Ken

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/24/2025:  07:08:12

Awesome, please send some updates on progress.

Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/24/2025:  07:52:31

Recommend a flammable liquids storage locker for the shopping list. We found a used one for our building many years ago and its still in service.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/25/2025:  12:44:24

quote:

---

Originally posted by kodakcollector

Awesome, please send some updates on progress.

---

Arthur Hatfield is unbelievably resilient. He has really faced some unbelievably tough challenges.

The new building has been bought but is not yet on his land. Before they can do that, he has to clean out the burnt down facility and that involves several things. First he has to wait for it to dry out as the fire department put a lot of water on it and it is still very soggy. Then they  have to drag magnets thru the deep ashes to see if they can find anything metal that is still worth anything or usable. Arthur had many hand made templates and tools and he hopes to find a few. Then after that they have to bring in some machinery and load everything left and get it hauled out. With the weather forecast they hope to be able to bring in the machinery and haul the ash and remnants out the first  weekend in February.

When the building gets there they have to insulate and wire it.

It was great to see Arthur.

Ken

Tripwire - Posted - 01/25/2025:  18:04:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dale Diehl

Now some good news. I've heard from a reliable source that Arthur has purchased building, and has had a swarm of carpenters and electricians buzzing about his place to get him back in business. As for the tools and inventory that is another matter.

---

Unfortunately I believe he doesn't even have a screwdriver, maybe a couple of c clamps. Would be nice if a luthier supply dealer heard about the tragedy and donated some tools. 

Quickstep192 - Posted - 01/25/2025:  20:33:55

The generosity of knowledge on the Hangout is amazing and In the time I’ve been on the Hangout, Arthur has been a goldmine of information.

I’ve actually met maybe two of the people on here, yet they all feel like family.

I noticed that the go fund me is a bit less than half its goal.

If you can kick in a few bucks, it will get Arthur back to building and sharing his experience with us.

Think of a contribution as an investment in learning!!

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 01/25/2025:  20:38:15

I hope Bluegrass Unlimited runs something on it. That will get a lot of attention.
Ken

heruka - Posted - 04/04/2025:  15:08:25

Any word? I now regret not buying that custom banjo I've been wanting for the last few years. ??

kodakcollector - Posted - 04/04/2025:  15:23:41

So everyone, I have been bed ridden the last 7 weeks or so with back and hip pain. The doctors are still trying to figure out what's going on.

I spoke with Arthur a few days ago. This was his reply. I have not received any images yet.

"I’m not back in business yet building banjos, but I am working on the inside of my shop work banshees and so forth and getting in some tools maybe in about another month if I can remember, I will try to take a few pictures tomorrow of the inside and send them to you"

Both of us want to thank everyone that has contributed in any way.

Best regards charlie

heruka - Posted - 04/04/2025:  15:55:39

Thanks for the update. Is there anything I can do? I did the GoFundMe thing.

From Greylock to Bean Blossom - Posted - 04/04/2025:  16:14:09

Arthur is still trying to get all the tools he needs. He posted this on Facebook last week looking for the following tool. If anyone can help with this, it would be great.
Ken

From Arthur: "Anyone near Glasgow have a scroll saw they would like to trade to an old craftsman jointer no motor but its belt driven has pulley on it. It was made back when they were very good tools this is sears and roebuck ."

Dustyman - Posted - 04/05/2025:  03:37:49

Great to hear things are moving forward for Arthur.

HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 04/05/2025:  07:09:40

quote:

---

Originally posted by From Greylock to Bean Blossom

Arthur is still trying to get all the tools he needs. He posted this on Facebook last week looking for the following tool. If anyone can help with this, it would be great.

Ken



From Arthur: "Anyone near Glasgow have a scroll saw they would like to trade to an old craftsman jointer no motor but its belt driven has pulley on it. It was made back when they were very good tools this is sears and roebuck ."

---

Anyone interested in starting a fund or just donating to Arthur so he can buy a scroll saw?     A hand full of contributors would be enough to purchase a decent saw. 

Edited by - HighLonesomeF5 on 04/05/2025 07:13:45

stevenpcharles - Posted - 04/05/2025:  10:57:19

Does anyone know the latest update on fundraising for Arthur and his shop re-build?

kodakcollector - Posted - 04/05/2025:  11:02:53

The latest from Arthur. I have not received any pictures yet.

"I’m not back in business yet building banjos, but I am working on the inside of my shop work banshees and so forth and getting in some tools maybe in about another month if I can remember, I will try to take a few pictures tomorrow of the inside and send them to you."

Best regards charlie

HighLonesomeF5 - Posted - 04/05/2025:  11:21:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by HighLonesomeF5

quote:

---

Originally posted by From Greylock to Bean Blossom

Arthur is still trying to get all the tools he needs. He posted this on Facebook last week looking for the following tool. If anyone can help with this, it would be great.

Ken



From Arthur: "Anyone near Glasgow have a scroll saw they would like to trade to an old craftsman jointer no motor but its belt driven has pulley on it. It was made back when they were very good tools this is sears and roebuck ."

---

Anyone interested in starting a fund or just donating to Arthur so he can buy a scroll saw?     A hand full of contributors would be enough to purchase a decent saw. 

---

I should have asked, is the Go Fund Me Site for Arthur still open?

kodakcollector - Posted - 04/05/2025:  11:31:11

Yes, here is the link and donations go straight to Arthur.

gofund.me/63c969dd

Best regards charlie

Dustyman - Posted - 04/26/2025:  07:40:44

Any updates on Arthur ?
Thanks

kodakcollector - Posted - 04/26/2025:  08:23:30

I am medical issues and have not spoken with Arthur in a while. This was our last communication.

"I’m not back in business yet building banjos, but I am working on the inside of my shop work banshees and so forth and getting in some tools maybe in about another month if I can remember, I will try to take a few pictures tomorrow of the inside and send them to you"

Charlie

kodakcollector - Posted - 04/26/2025:  15:32:46

Arthur update today.

"I’m sorry I just now went and took some pictures. I forgot all about it.

I’ve been so busy trying to make phone calls and order things and just so many little things to do you don’t think about till you’re ready for him this little thing such a spikes didn’t have any down to utility knife blades to razor blades.

Seems when you’re trying to get back to work all you think about is a big items and are still all kinds of small things that you can’t do without.

I even have to get two or three things made by a tool maker that I can’t make myself."

kodakcollector - Posted - 04/26/2025:  15:33:42

If the photos of the shop don't post message me.

Charlie

Dustyman - Posted - 04/27/2025:  04:52:53

Thank You Charlie
I hope you feel better .

kodakcollector - Posted - 04/27/2025:  08:08:58

Thanks for your support. The shop looks wonderful maybe better than before. Although, I never have visited Arthur before.

Anyone that wants to see the pictures from Arthur can email me at:

Charlie@prvs.net

Or message me on messenger at:

Chasmo Kam

Best regards charlie

IBPickins - Posted - 05/16/2025:  19:20:27

I was so sorry to hear about this. Mr. Hatfield made me a bridge over 20 years ago. It’s a treasure to me. I sure hope he gets everything going again.

eagleisland - Posted - 05/17/2025:  05:50:27

quote:

---

Originally posted by kodakcollector

Thanks for your support. The shop looks wonderful maybe better than before. Although, I never have visited Arthur before.

 

---

Good to hear. As to the shop looking better than before, well... suffice to say that this is Arthur we're talking about. I have little doubt that it will be coated in shavings, sawdust, odd cultch and Burton Ridge Road magic dust in relatively short order.