Words are not adequate to express our shock and heartbreak over the loss of the Middletown Hardester's Market ... still fondly thought of as Middletown's Corner Store. Many of us relate to Hardester's as far more than a place to shop, rather like a part of our extended family.

Our sympathies are boundless for the family that has seen many decades of work and dedication literally go up in smoke ... bitterly sad when plans were under way for a 75th anniversary celebration!

We at Gibson are particularly saddened because the Hardester family has played such a significant role in the founding and growth of Gibson Museum & Cultural Center. The very first donation, from Walter and Judy Hardester, solidified our plans and set the stage for the development to follow. The generosity of Hardester's Hardware and Hardester's Market in helping supply the materials and tools to refurbish the historic 1930s library building was a significant factor in Gibson's success, and a tribute to Middletown even had the museum not come to pass. The compilations of history donated by Deanie Hardester Wilmsen are invaluable.

While grateful, we've not been surprised. The Hardester family has been known for decades for quietly, without fanfare of any sort, supporting a variety of worthy causes in south Lake County as well as "helping out" individuals in times of need.

Now, we can all make the little bit of extra effort to shop the Hardester's markets in Hidden Valley Lake and Cobb and do whatever we can to support their recovery and rebuilding efforts in Middletown.

Nina Bouska and the volunteers at Gibson Museum & Cultural Center in Middletown, Calif.