FIREPLACE CENTER HERE MARKS 15TH ANNIVERSARY

The Fireplace Center is observing its 15th anniversary this month.

The business, which specializes in fireplace accessories, opened in fall 1976.

"I was in the masonry business," said David Blattner. "Besides building commercial and residential buildings, I constructed several fireplaces.

"People often asked about fireplace accessories, but at that time they were hard to find," he said. "I saw a need for a fireplace center and accessories operation."

He and Noretta Blattner are owners of the business at 1028 N. Kingshighway. Blattner leased the former Dairy Castle site on North Kingshighway, and purchased the property a year later.

"We added to the original building," said Blattner.

The building now houses the Fireplace Center and River City Masonry Inc., which does residential and commercial work.

The two businesses employ between six and 12 people, including the Blattners' two sons, Mark and Reid Ketcher.