Seahorse Burns to Ground

Service planned for tonight

    (Noank, April 1, 2008) - A candlelight vigil has been scheduled for 6 pm this evening to commemorate the Seahorse Restaurant in Noank which burned to the ground overnight.   The popular watering hole of locals and Mudheads, nicknamed the Ocean Pony and Mahogany Reef, was apparently struck by lightening early Tuesday morning and local firefighters were unable to control the blaze.  One eyewitness reported half dozen patrons were in the bar when a freak thunderstorm swept through the area just after midnight.  “There was a clap of thunder and this big sound, like a propane tank had exploded,” said Greg Stoltz, who was walking his dog at the time.  “Everyone came running out, some faster than others, and in minutes the flames had ripped through the ceiling and the roof.”

    Local firemen responded to the call from Mystic, Groton Long Point and Noank.  Tragically, in their haste to get to the fire, the Noank pumper truck collided with a Groton tanker truck and both were damaged, injuring three firemen.  “The damage caused both trucks to malfunction so we couldn’t pump water right away,” admitted Chief Fritz Burlein of Mystic.   Another eye witness reported hundreds of gallons of water spilling into the parking lot.  Some patrons were seen scooping up handfuls of mud and throwing them on the blaze, but their efforts had little effect.

    Seahorse owner, Bob Sader was at the scene and watched as his pride and joy was consumed by flames before his eyes. Friends and relatives gathered around to offer comfort. “We’ll rebuild,” he said, but broke down in tears before he could answer any other questions. Sader was later overheard talking about erecting a tent so he could reopen sooner.

    Early Tuesday morning, the smell of smoke and charred beer kegs filled the lot next to Spicer’s Boat Yard. Initial reports indicate the fire damaged no boats as firemen pumped water from the nearby marina to keep it from spreading to nearby Custom Marine Canvas. According to one eye witness, only the chimney and the beer taps remain standing after the fire, plus 6 cases of Santa Marvista wine used for the weekday special. Police could not verify that the wine survived.

    “I’m not that sad,’ said Big Morris, one of the regulars. “My bar tab is gone forever.” He paused a moment and took one last look. “I guess it’s time to go home and see the wife.”

    Jeb Watrous, a Noank native and retired Baptist minister, who has lived near the tavern for his entire life, commented, “It was as if the hand of God smote Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Fire officials said a full investigation into the cause is underway.

The memorial service will be presided over by Mudhead Commodore Bill Mortensen. Please bring your own candles. Fire will be provided.