RAYNE, La. (KLFY) -- In Rayne, the city is in recovery after a fire burned down a beloved family business in a historical building that has stood for over a century.
The building was first opened in 1904 as a bakery and would host a variety of businesses until 1990 when the Simoneaux family would open their Farmer's True Value Hardware store.
In the years since, the Simoneauxs and their store would become part of the fabric of the city Rayne.
Scott Watkins (State Farm): "You know, I opened my office over here nearly four years ago, and the whole time his hardware store has been around across the street, he's been a big help to me. And sometimes he even came over here to actually help me. You're not going to find that a big city, that's a small-town thing."
Stacey Ancelet (Rayne City Marshal): "They were just a very good family for the public. They were always there. I've seen Daniel open up on a Sunday during the ice storm. He came open up for people to get parts on a Sunday when they were closed, to be able to get water back on their lines."
That feeling of family and customer service would be felt all the way up until the store burned down this week, on Daniel Simoneaux's birthday.
The loss of the building would shock the Simoneaux family, who did not wish to speak about it during their tome of recovery.
And as the Simoneaux family deals with the loss of their business, News 10 has heard from a few of their neighbors on Adams Avenue who send their love and support.
Andrew Mouton (Mouton Pharmacy): " Daniel's been our neighbor for 34 years. He's very involved in the community and always helping people out. We just want the family to know they have our support here at Mouton Pharmacy and we're praying for them.
Scott Watkins: " I hope that he's going to be in a position to be able to rebuild and get open back up and continue to do what he does and serve this community.
J.C. Arceneaux (Morvant Insurance): " Daniel Simoneaux, lifelong friend, a pillar in the community, a guy who's always willing to help out anyone and everyone. Had a great business here in town. We're we're all pulling for him to get back up on his feet and and hopefully get the store opened up, back up as soon as he can."
Stacey Ancelet: "You're in our prayers, buddy. I'm always here for you and your family. We've been friends a long time. I'm not a big guy, but I got some strong shoulders. So, if you need, you know how to find me. God bless you and your family.
