Fire Recovery for BKB Leather

In the early morning hours of August 7th, Lawrence's beloved BKB Leather tragically caught fire. The whole community breathed a sigh of relief that there were no injuries. However, though first responders battled the blaze, the shop is a complete loss.

Our whole community feels the crushing blow of losing this beloved old local business-when we talk about what makes Lawrence unique, BKB embodies that sentiment. One of the last few existing cobbler shops in the United States, Bruce Barlow established BKB in 1987, and it is an integral part of our community.

So many of us know Bruce, Kris and the many Barlow family members who are the life of the shop, and so many of us in the Lawrence community have experienced the warmth and unending generosity they extend. Whether you were there to have shoes re-soled, a jacket repaired, join in a bluegrass jam session and enjoy the shop dogs and cats (and chickens!), or sitting down to one of their famous holiday potluck dinners, you always knew you were welcome to have a spot around the little potbellied stove.

It is with this spirit of love, community, and generosity in mind that I am creating this Go Fund me on behalf of the BKB and the Barlow family. The intention is to rebuild, and while insurance will cover a portion, the family is still facing a daunting amount to replace what was lost. Lawrence has suffered the loss of several wonderful local businesses over the years, but BKB has weathered all the storms, and I cannot let this fire be the end of such a fabulous gem in our community. Please donate if you feel drawn to do so!

To learn more about BKB, visit BKB Leather's website, or find them on social media.