Raise Iron Horse From The Ashes

Help us raise the Iron Horse from the ashes!

This wasn't just any business. It wasn't just any shop for WNY hot rods, motorcycles, and tattoos. It was the epicenter of the custom car world in the area and the talk of the town for the hottest creative freehand tattoos by the notorious Mike Taylor! The Iron Horse was 3 generations deep in raw family passion for creativity. You would be hard-pressed to find any other place as unique or authentic as this shop was, and the people that it brought together since the 1920s. Mickey Taylor made waves across the country in the 1950s with his custom taylored cars. His sons, Kevin and Mike, have carried on the legacy of Iron Horse with a fierce capacity that their Dad and Grandfather would be proud of. Anyone who knows them knows that they are hearts of gold and do everything for others. If you had been to that shop once, you became family for life.

On 9/05/2024, an accident at the Iron Horse South created an uncontrollable fire, almost taking our Uncle Kevin's life. Thank God that we still have our family with us, but their identities have perished in that fire. The lifestyle and community it brought to thousands of people perished within hours. Generations of antiques, relics, and memorabilia are gone. Then we saw that Jesus Christ literally remained on those walls through the fire! That was a sign to acknowledge that the passion is still alive. They won't let go. They won't give up on themselves, their story, or their community. So, we are asking with humility for donations to help us come up from the ashes. Unfortunately, there was no fire insurance coverage at the time of loss. So donations would go toward all of the rebuilding costs and replacement of the damaged assets, resurrecting the near century old Iron Horse. Possibly, medical bills will need payment for the dogs and any future health issues from the smoke inhalation. Please help my Uncles, Kevin, and Mike recover from this tragedy that took away history and their purpose. I know that their gratitude is beyond words for all of the outpouring support and love they have received already. The family thanks you deeply.

Author: Julie Witczak