Investigators are trying to determine what caused a fire that gutted a Morristown institution. Rago Brothers Shoe Repair opened it's doors 93 years ago - and catered to stars like Mariah Carey and even the Queen of England.
New Jersey reporter Anthony Johnson has more.
They may be burned out 36 hours after the devastating fire, but the owners of the shop are back in business. And all ready the shoe store of the rich and famous is rising from the ashes.
Tom Rago, Co-Owner: "Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey. They have stuff here. My brother's been to Whitney Houston's home. We repair their things, their personal belongings."
The Rago family has been in the shoe business since the early 1900s in Morristown. Until the early morning fire that destroyed two businesses and two apartments on the second floor.
Portions of the roof collapsed down on shoes, purses, bags and old machinery.
Friday, residents of the building stood outside surveying the damage, and realizing they were fortunate to get out.
Steven Hernandez, Resident: "I have everything. I've got my wife, and my child-to-be -- she's pregnant. I lost all my other accessories in life. I lost my TV, my clothes. But if you ask me if I got everything out? I got everything out. I got my wife out, and I got myself out."
Arson investigators have been on the scene checking out the cause of the blaze. But there are hints it was started with a cigarette that wasn't properly disposed.
But in the meantime, residents of Morristown are pouring out their hearts and souls by offering a helping hand.
Tony Rago, Co-Owner: "If I hadn't had everybody in Morristown to help me the way they did, we'd never be able to do this. Absolutely incredible."
So while the fire destroyed the business, it has not destroyed the spirits of the Rago brothers. They say plan to reestablish their business, and continue to be here in Morristown for at least another 90 years.
