The Puzzle Tree Destroyed - San Diego, California
Custom Puzzle Craft
Maker of Fine Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles and Sculptures
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Erected October 30, 2003 - Dismantled January 26, 2005 - Destroyed October 22, 2007
A great firestorm swept through parts of San Diego county, starting on October 21, peaking late October 22 and continuing a few more days. The homes of two friends, Bob Archer (co-builder of the Puzzle Tree) and Jean Cornwell were destroyed at San Pasqual Academy on October 22nd. The wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces of The Puzzle Tree were stored in Bob Archer's garage. The garage was also burnt down in the intensely hot fire and no trace of the Puzzle Tree pieces (made of wood and coated with poly urethane) remained. Bob's collection of Puzzle Tree models was also destroyed.
All pictures taken by me on October 29th, 2007, one week after the fire.
Ruins of Bob Archer's home
Ruins of Bob Archer's garage
The Puzzle Tree's puzzle pieces were store here
Everything flammable in the garage was totally incinerated
Even the grass was burnt from the grounds leaving sandy dirt
Aluminum melted
The sand was blown in from nearby hills
Glass windows melted
The wooden spear tips on the Puzzle Tree's scorched metal branches survived
The branches were leaning against the garage, partially protected from the fire wind
Smoke in San Diego, the day before
Smoke from the fires - October 22, 2007
The puzzle tree was stored in the intense smoky area about 1/2" above the "S" in "San Diego"
Remains of Jean Cornwell's home
There are no plans to recreate the Puzzle Tree.
John S. Stokes III
Custom Puzzle Craft
2350 Sixth Ave. #7H
San Diego, CA 92101
john@custompuzzlecraft.com
© John S. Stokes III - Puzzle Crafter & Webmaster