103-Year-Old Owner Dealing With Loss Of Family Business To Arson

<p>The owner of Ander&rsquo;s Shoe Store in Miami is finding humor during a time of immense loss. A man remains in the Ottawa County Jail, accused of setting her store on fire and destroying it.</p>

Monday, July 23rd 2018, 10:54 pm



The owner of Ander’s Shoe Store in Miami is finding humor during a time of immense loss.

A man remains in the Ottawa County Jail, accused of setting her store on fire and destroying it.

The owner is 103-year-old Dena Ander.  The store has been in her family 85 years.

She says she is devastated by what happened.

“I opened the door and the policeman says ‘your store’s on fire,’” said Ander.

Ander’s Shoe Store was set on fire July 10th.

Hours after the flames were put out, you could see there was nothing left inside.

7/19/2018 Related Story:  Man Arrested For Fire That Destroyed Miami's Anders Shoe Store

Police arrested Joseph Williams for arson and say he broke in twice, once on July 7th and again on the 9th before coming back and setting it on fire to destroy evidence linking him to the crimes.

When asked what Ander would say to Williams, she says, “I couldn’t say anything mean enough because I don’t talk that language.  I wouldn’t want to talk to him.”

She has had her hands full since the fire – on the phone with crews to come in and clean it up and dealing with insurance adjusters.

“I haven’t shed a tear,” she said.  “I don’t know how.”

Ander’s Shoe Store is one of the oldest businesses in Miami.  The loss of this staple on Main Street is being felt at businesses nearby.

“She’s like the anchor for our whole block and it just made us all sick,” said Sharon Graham.

At 103, Dena isn’t sure what’s next, but she certainly has a lot of support.

“I hope she rebuilds,” said Graham.  “I mean, we’re all looking forward to her being back with us.”

Dena says, “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do or how I’m supposed to feel.  I will in time.”

Williams is held on complaints of burglary, possession of meth, second degree arson, and concealing stolen property.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

July 23rd, 2018

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024