Given the litigious nature of our society and the high cost of liability insurance for some businesses like restaurants, it is conceivable and unfortunate that they did not or could not afford to have property insurance for their equipment and business property and have liability insurance as well. Being in a tenant sitution, they did not own the building, only rented space, so they had no need for property insurance on the building. Only the owners would normally have to worry about the structure.
Of course, the way insurance started out was by many people kicking in a few bucks (pounds and shillings actually) to pay out if something was lost and damaged. It was spreading out the losses of a few and have them covered by many. In those days, it was also common for friends, neighbors, and fellow towns people to pitch in and help to rebuild in case of a fire, to help recreate furniture, get dishes, get the businesses back in business. Seems like maybe this is what has happened here, and it is certainly, from my point of view, a nice trip into the past.
Just my humble opinion...You may disagree...I just figure these folks are happy to have the good friends and neighbors.
__________________
I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!
|