Rebuild Tollbooth Antiques: Support Needed

The Lancaster County antique community suffered a devastating loss with the destruction of the historic Tollbooth Antique Warehouse in a fire on July 18th. Tollbooth is an historic landmark as well as a very popular local antique shopping destination, and is owned by the David & Sue Doolittle family, who have worked tirelessly on this labor of love since they opened it in 2011. Tollbooth Antiques covers almost an entire block of downtown Columbia, and is a co-op of over 50 vendors who count on this income to make ends meet. But more than that, this place is also about relationships — a popular gathering spot for vendors, collectors, and shoppers. The vendors also enjoy Tollbooth because it provides a way for them to reuse, recycle, and repurpose antiques rather than filling the landfills with these treasures.

Unfortunately, no one ever expects a loss of this magnitude, and while there is some insurance, it is minimal and does not cover any of the contents nor loss of income, and will fall far short of what is needed for rebuilding efforts.

For the over 50 vendors who count on this for their livelihood, the Doolittle family wants to get the one remaining warehouse open ASAP & hopes to start the rebuilding process of the second historic warehouse. Unfortunately, the third is totally gone and has been bulldozed. Having funds to reopen Tollbooth as soon as possible will help the vendors get back in business.

The Doolittle family & their vendor friends are so thankful for the community’s outpouring of support & prayers!! Please consider a donation in any size to help as they tackle the enormous task of this cleanup & rebuilding as the Tollbooth community looks for a way forward from the ashes. Thank you!!