Fierce flames destroy well-known Delco tavern

NORWOOD, Pa. (WPVI) -- A Norwood, Delaware County bar, with decades of history, is gone after a fierce morning fire.

"We're like family in there, everybody is hurting right now," said Jeff McGee, bartender.

McGee stood near Toll House Tavern, the bar where he's worked for ten years, where his family worked before him. He was stunned at what's now left.

"There's a lot of history here, lot of good times," said McGee.

Just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, fire officials say a grease fire started in the kitchen of the historic tavern on Chester Pike.

It jumped to the eaves and ventilation system and tore through the ceiling.

Nearby residents came rushing over.

"We were all just standing here in disbelief watching," said Beth Kane.

When the sun came up, residents could see the extent of the damage - the ceiling collapsed and the inside was gutted.

Fire crews were called back when some of the rubble started to smolder.

The bar opened in 1961 and over the years it became a popular haunt. Its name is a nod to the history of its location.

"The Toll House, the name itself come from when they used to charge tolls here on Chester Pike 70-80 years ago, so we named it the Toll House," said Bill Stowe.

"My whole family, the Kane family, came here after every wedding and funeral," said Kane.

There were some patrons inside but they evacuated safely. Now the question here for many is what happens next to this historic local tavern?

"It was just a well-respected place, I hope she rebuilds it, I really do," said Pat Lettery.