An Unthinkable Act of Terror
In the chronicles of time, the mid-October air would typically have been imbued with anticipation at William Barthman Jeweler, a venerable establishment preparing for the impending holiday season. Yet, fate had conspired to rewrite the script of our existence. Instead of festive arrangements and cheerful dispositions, we found ourselves engulfed in a tempest of turmoil, grappling with the aftermath of an unthinkable act of terror.The heart of our predicament lay but a block away from the World Trade Center, now a haunting emblem of devastation known as "Ground Zero." This was a defining moment, unlike any other in that locations 117-year journey through history. Doors shuttered since the harrowing events of September 11th, a span longer than any in memory. Plans to resurrect their cherished establishment were etched in uncertainty, slated for an early December 2001 return. In the interim, our front window had metamorphosed into an impromptu shrine, a testament to those who had tragically perished. Skilled hands worked tirelessly to resurrect the ornate wood interior, while we, unscathed physically, grappled with the shadows cast by this unfathomable tragedy.
Our service manager at the time, bore witness to this sorrowful chapter, her words resounding with heartache, “If you go to the ninth floor…you could see out into the mess... the fiery inferno that was still burning for months... it was a hallowed ground, a mass grave site. ” - Connie Swierkowski
Another Bombing?
On that fateful September morning, the echoes of history rang loud on our ears. A colossal boom reverberated, akin to the haunting memory of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Panic rippled through the air as the building quaked, and debris danced in chaotic whirlwinds. The inferno raged in sight, a gaping wound in the city's heart.In the midst of this chaos, the store's valiant staff mobilized with unyielding resolve, preserving our treasures within the sanctuary of the stores safe. As the second plane struck the South Tower, the building trembled once more. Tragedy struck again as the towers crumbled, shattering the store's windows, a poignant contrast to the days of old when only a wayward horse had breached its defenses.
In the aftermath, the store bore the scars of its true ordeal. Layers of ash and soot blanketed the floor, obscuring all in an eerie cloud. Looters, seizing the opportunity amidst the chaos, breached the sanctuary, leaving with trifles in hand. Watches, a digital camera, and a diamond tester vanished into the abyss and we marveled at the audacity of these thieves, as the presence of police and National Guardsmen loomed nearby.
We sought refuge in an upper gallery, a realm devoid of electricity and communication. It was a bleak existence, where every breath was a struggle, a painful reminder of the tumultuous times. Fears loomed large as reports hinted at the impending collapse of the 54-story One Liberty Plaza, a stone's throw from their haven. In those anxious days, we grappled with the specter of our store crumbling with the mighty tower. The reports ultimately proved false, yet One Liberty Plaza remained a somber sentinel.
Despite the trials endured, the store found no respite from its insurance providers, leaving the burden of rebuilding to gallant souls. Vendors showed a glimmer of understanding, their compassion shining through in a darkened hour.
We Will Endure
In the end, we clung tenaciously to our place in history, unwavering in our commitment. Through two world wars and the unforgiving Great Depression, our store had stood as a stalwart jewel in the financial district's crown. To abandon our post would be to sever the ties that bound us to generations past, a legacy that would not be forsaken. Our hearts go out to everyone who was affected by this tragic event.While our original store remains in the hearts of our people, the William Barthman Spirit at 20 Broad Street, the center of the financial district, will always endure. We have survived the Spanish American War, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, the Bombing of the World Trade Center and the attack on the World Trade Center. We've been jewelers to the financial district since 1884, and we will continue to serve our community well into the future.
Thank you for listening to our story. Listen to the full recount of our service manager’s remembrance of that day. Click on the YouTube link below.
A 9-11 Remembrance
https://youtu.be/F0jYGzd6foQ?si=_IQYNiF1P9OHsbiW