Today I give thanks
crazyhounddog
Posts: 13,998 ✭✭✭✭✭
Today I want to give thanks to the PCGS family and the great friends right here on this forum. Four years ago today a fire not only burned our home with everything in it to the ground it also destroyed our entire community. It burned the town of Paradise to the ground. It killed almost 90 good people trying to flee from the very fast moving fire but didn’t make it. My good friend @jesbroken started a go fund me right here on this forum that @paradisefound rallied to truly help my family through the toughest part of this tragedy. Myself and my family will always remember that day that also restored my faith in humanity and will be eternally grateful.
From the bottom of my heart I say thank you to all,
Joe and family❤️
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
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Comments
Glad you made it out of there!
There are some great members here!
You're a valued member here.
This is a great community.
My YouTube Channel
Glad you are still around, Joe!
Collector, occasional seller
I remember those dark days, and the photos of the destruction. And the great frustration of people not being allowed back into the zone to inspect their houses even as photos showed little left except fireproof safes standing out amid the ash.
Did the town rebuild?
There used to be a coin store there - Paradise Coin. Any idea if they survived?
Glad you made it out of there safe Joe!
How in God's name does something like this happen today in our country?? And please don't tell me it was because of a camp fire! The problem is much deeper then that. And it's been ALLOWED to continue for decades!
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
We’re very lucky to have you here, Joe. It seems like only yesterday those events unfolded.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
The town is slowly coming back to life but the old buildings for the most part are gone. Paradise was an old gold rush town that had tons of history. Back in the day they found a 54 pound nugget, the size and shape of a small loaf of bread. The coin shop didn’t burn but he went out of business. He was a crook anyways.
You’re completely right when you say they wouldn’t let people back to their homes, even after the fire was out for a long time. Frustrated is putting it mildly. Many people including myself were looted. People coming all the way from Southern California and beyond just to loot.
Yes dark days for sure.
Many people think this fire was started by a campfire. It was not. It was called the campfire because it started on Campfire road. It was high power lines that were going down and sparking next to dead trees. Many people called and reported it but PG&E never did respond and that’s what started the fire. PG&E didn’t maintain the very old towers that failed. That’s what started the fire from hell. The wind was strong and gusting to 60 MPH that day. That was the biggest problem. It was a fast moving fire.
Wow hard to believe it's been four years already, remember the photos, descriptions, and your account of that harrowing day. Glad that you and your family made it through and are here!
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Joe - I don't really know you, but from every interaction you seem like one of the good guys in this hobby. You have always been kind and encouraging. Being a good collector is one thing - being a good person is what is truly important. Thank you for being one of the "good guys" and I am truly glad that you are your family are safe. Continue to take care, and be well.
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
Glad you made it out of there safe Joe!
How in God's name does something like happen today in our country?? And please don't tell me it was because of a camp fire! The problem is much deeper then that. And it's been ALLOWED to continue for decades! > @crazyhounddog said:
I should have been more specific. I was being facetious. I know how the fire started. My point being; IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED! It was started by decades of mismanagement and neglect!
P.S. The State would have you believe it's just a way of life out here...... BULL!!
God Bless you and your family!
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
My dear friend.
So, glad of the outcome Joe, despite losses. The health and well being is far more important. Even though many, as yourself, my friend. Besides the lives lost. Has endured great material losses. So sorry, as to those.
However, it only made you and other victims, more stronger and courageous!
We all love you Joe. You are a BIG part of this forum, buddy.
Joey
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.We all were cheering your every move from the evening of the fire and holding our breath every mile of your escape. Next day we all truly celebrated your survival effort and were on the edge while you and your family tried to find living quarters in an area that was inundated with people without homes. Thank you Lord, it became a positive and you found rental property when it wasn't likely. Would have been terribly lonely here without CHD.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
We're glad everyone is here to tell about. Valuable friends are just that Valuable 🙂
Good to see everyone toady, today 👍
I can't believe it's been 4 years. Thank goodness Joe & family were able to escape. I've seen videos of the fire around the roads and am amazed that anyone made it out of that inferno.
I don't know how you survived all of that and still remain sane.
An unbelievable tragedy for sure.
Pete
Joe,
Did you rebuild in the area or did you move away?
I wasn’t on here back then but I’m glad you’re still on here now.
We’ve got family in Oroville and Orland and got lots of updates while the fire was going on.
FOUR YEARS??!! Wow, where does our time go??
Glad you made it through and, yes, you are one of the good guys.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Getting to know you has been a pleasure and agree your a wonderful addition to the formite family.
I know your area well. Was born in Quincy,Plumas County, California 1952😁
We are still recovering from the East Troublesome fire, here in Grand County, Colorado. Just missed us and evacuations were harry for some. I am hearing what your saying about fast moving. It’s friggin insane. My doctor lost his home and the 2 who died were friends of the family.
Only when one is face to face with the unreal strength and power of wildfire does it become real
Peace my brother 🙏
🎶 shout shout, let it all out 🎶
Hard to believe it has been four years since that disaster. I was glued to the forum for news and had the TV tuned for updates throughout. Glad you are with us @crazyhounddog ... Cheers, RickO
We still own our property up in Paradise but we have moved down to Chico out of wildfire country. It’s a beautiful home but I miss my old town quite a bit. My son bought a house up there and lives in Paradise with his family. He won’t leave but the good part is I go up there to visit him and my old town.
I love this forum and the good friends I’ve made along the way.
Thank you to all,
Joe
I remember it all. Glad you bounced back.
Sometimes on this board we don’t see eye to eye but when the rubber hits the road we can all come together and help out and all the trash talk is put aside. Happy to see you are rising from the ashes and making it work stay tough keep on trucking. I see it a lot with the job I have and some just can’t do what you have accomplished in four years keep up the good work Joe and be safe everyone.
Hoard the keys.
I did not realize it had been so long already. I was thinking the other day about it and was wondering what had ever come of the town and the people.
Didn't you have a stack of slabs that got stuck together?
Yes I sure did. PCGS & NGC came to my rescue on that note and I am forever grateful.
I remember that - thank God you got out safe!!!!!!
"When they can't find anything wrong with you, they create it!"
It was a scary experience, Im sure... with coins being the least of your worries. Im glad that this community could come together as friends and make some donations to get you whole again. That's what friends do
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."