Honestly, like I was reading the article about the topless woman that was seen outside the shop, I'd start asking the person who reported that and see where it leads you. Also who was at the meeting on Tuesday night or knew about it? Investigate everyone. I hope the state finds these people, and hoping that since the community of Vassalboro doesn't seem to want this type of attraction (even though any attraction in Maine is practically good) - move the location to Bangor or even further north like Greenville. I bet you'd find a lot of business away from that town. Horrible people, and I read in the previous article from the AP that said that people were snickering about it. Its horrible that you can't allow people or businesses to thrive in this town, let alone this state. I hope whoever did this they are found out

A co-worker just informed me that while riding by the coffee shop in the past, she has seen (from her car on the road) a topless girl waving to cars. Is she lying? She never has.

JustMy2Cents is correct- The fullest extent of the law should be utilized against the felons who committed this crime. Along with the sentence of attempted murder charges. Mr. Crabtree presented his project to the public, which was approved under Vassalboro's guidelines, and his business was legal with all state and federal regulations. He did no wrongdoing other than perhaps having a business of poor taste for some people. I do hope he and his employees recover from this tragedy.

Sorry, I hit post. I am just saying, I don't think this business should bother anyone who doesn't frequent it. I though think it lacks class if what my friend said is true.

This is a travesty, the Grand View should be restored w/'stimulus' money!

Maine does not tolerate hate crimes! This needs to be investigated thoroughly!

oh and sherry what is wrong with a topless cofee shop i think bangor needs one i would support it for a matter of fact i guess ill go open one lol

realist-----I would answer yes. And how do you know she never has? Because she TOLD you??

Louise, if and when it reopens, I have suggested she take a pic with her cell phone. She's never lied to me about anything else. DO YOU LIE?

But again Louise, you probably know everything that goes on there because you.......provide surveillence on the place 24/7 right?

Hopefully people that are not from Vassalboro never spend a penny in that town again and let that place rot like it's old fashioned, out of touch residents are.

Somebody said, "No good can come of it." No good can come by people taking the law into their hands and burning it either. Hope that catch the perpertrator quickly!!

and I was starting to like coffee again... i hope they find these prudes - probably the same guy that thought spencers was an 'adult store'

I'm not sure disliking a raunchy topless bar qualifies one for the title "stuck up snob". How about "civilized" instead?

Citizens in Camden don't want a dunkin doughnuts, Citizens in Vassalboro don't want a topless coffee shop. What's up with Maine people and coffee?

this shop was another case of "if you don't like it, don't look" I couldn't care either way about the business. it's too bad that 6 people almost lost their lives because of a few dinks. I've been to all of the lower 48 states and Maine has got to be one of the most stuck up states in the country. you have to know the right people to get work. you have to know the right people for everything. if you weren't born here or related to someone who has lived in an area for their entire lives, you get nowhere. that's the way Maine is now and always be. i was hoping that the cofee shop would expand. hopefully there are a few brave self-thinkers in the vassalboro area that will help this man re-build his business.

thats too bad.............i really like coffee and donuts

If you can't keep the 'hubby' home and he takes extended coffee breaks...You don't burn the place down Deah! Now you've got yourself in a heck of a stew!

The town's too small to cover this up for more than 2-3 days.

The Coffee Shop owner should have quit while he was ahead.....I think he got in trouble when he pushed to expand the business.

I heard that 5 different towns came to put out the fire. I bet they were all hoping to catch the employees outside with their shirts off! I know that I would be hoping the same. Sorry to hear about another business going under, I hope they come back stronger and with fewer clothes.

I think whoever it was was jealous because the girls were prettier

I nope someone looks into he truely didnt have insurance. Maybe it was in inside job. $$$$$

it seems to be like that everywhere. look at the south park episode Something Walmart this way comes. When the new walmart comes into town and makes everyone go there instead of local businesses and in some cases ignore their families they burned it down. I truly believe the christian right had something to do with this. Look up MCCL (Maine Christian Civic League)

My husband and I recently stopped there on our return to Maine from vacationing out of state. It was early afternoon and the place was spotless -- cleanest tables, floors and bathroom I've ever seen in an eatery. Alcohol wasn't on the menu, just coffee, donuts, cinammon buns. The waitress was a bright young lady, a college student interested in going for her master's. We had an intelligent conversation with this bright young lady. It's sad to think about all those ignorant people out there who are passing judgment without knowing her or her co-workers. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. This young woman wasn't being exploited but rather was making better money than she could as a checkout clerk or waitress elsewhere. Now she's going to be unemployed. How sad is that? I'm ashamed to say I'm from Maine when I hear untrue comments being made about this shop. My husband would personally like to meet the person or persons responsible face to face to see if they're man or woman enough to explain why they did what they did and why they think they have the right to threaten people's lives and livelihoods. Bible-toting hipocrits are most often the ones caught for indiscretions -- Jerry Falwell, Jim Baker. If a person didn't like or approve of this business, the answer was simple, they didn't have to patronize the establishment. Cowards!

I agree with Sherry Perry...If God had wanted us to be naked, we would have been born that way..

When did Maine become like the South? Religious nut jobs coming out of the woodwork!

Maine became 'like the south' when all the liberal nut jobs from away invaded.

I just thought of a new business.....a topless contracting company to rebuild! Just joking...... I don't think a coffee shop with topless waiters or waiters is a good idea, but, also not a good idea to burn the place down. Worse yet, not a good idea to not have it insured! I recently rode by the place...and kept on going....I'm glad no one lost their lives....Topless ANYTHING doesn't belong in Maine. That's not what Maine is. Go somewhere else for that stuff, it's in other places. Go there! It's a slippery slope...see, first he wants to serve coffee....then he wants to expand the hours and add dancing.....and then what? Once you start this slide, you keep on slipping!

I always wanted to open up a music store that really catered to "hard rock" musicians....would the so-called Christians burn that down as well? It sounds like a pissed off wife to me. What a shame, to put people's lives at stake...the tenants lives and those of the fire departments who were on the scene. I pray for justice in the matter.

Sledman, do you have, like, a metal plate in your head? Southern Christian Fundamentalists are right-wing wingnuts, not liberals. Get a clue.

anne: Sorry you can't comprehend so I'll spell it out for you: Liberals, no those who are religious, are the ones who have ruined Maine.

Sledman, "no those who are religious"? Sorry, no capiche. Z-Z-Z-Zing! Watch out for magnets!

Surprising that you can run aa business that has patrons entering the premises and not have insurance.

it's possible to have liability insurance to cover someone getting hurt yet not have property coverage for replacement costs... think car insurance....

mainejeff:

You've got that right!

jayneinmaine:

I get where you are coming from....and because of your viewpoint, some of these redneck wingnuts would call you a "snob"!! Can you believe it????

You know, it is all right to have a viewpoint about this either way, pro or con...about this kind of establishment in Maine (of course, the arson was so very wrong and horrible) But, to start telling people they should move out of Maine because of their particular stance or viewpoint, is one thing only.....darn ignorant!

It seems as though religion always rears its ugly head in threads like this, and it wouldn't surprise me if the person(s) responsible for this crime did what they did "in the name of (insert deity of choice here). The amount of smug selfrighteousness some of these people possess is sickening. Apparently, if you don't believe as they do, you don't deserve to live. The ones who are happy that this happened are just as bad as the ones behind it. Innocent people could have died, not that it would have been the first time people were killed in the name of religion.

Personally,I think the church that is a bit east of the coffee shop,right on rt 3, that always has the slightly threatening religious sayings is much creepier and more damaging in the long run...

Once again Anne makes me laugh.

Living in Colorado now, I haven't thought much about the news back in Maine. When I saw on the crawlline on CNN that a topless coffee shop burned and arson was the reason, my first thoughts were Vassalboros topless coffee shop. I signed on to BDN and there it was! Unbelievable!! Just what does the arsonist think this will accomplish? With the jobless rate at 8% and climbing in Maine, thats just what Maine needed, more people unemployed. Let these people go on with their business, if you don't like it, don't go there.

I am sure it was a member of the Maine Taliban. They fight everything that is against their beliefs even thought it has no effect on them at all.

too bad

:+) jimsgirl..... Well said! Thank you! By the way, I am Catholic; doesn't mean I agree 100% with the religion. I do have my faith. I just think if this type of establishment offends you, don't go there.

P.S. I just noticed the name of the coffee shop. GRAND VIEW LOL Funny! I hope you're able to re-build your business. Don't worry so much about the " HATERS" they'll find someone new to pick on.

While I don't support a topless business, I'm sorry for the folks out of work. That's no good no matter how it happened. Someone in the above comments said there's a topless woman waving to cars...document it. Take a picture & put a stop to it. Nobody wants to be driving by with their kids in the car and get an eye full. Why wouldn't a business like this be insured?

While it's probably not an establishment I would've cared to visit, it's pretty disheartening to see this man's livelihood in ashes. With the economy the way it is today, and people really struggling to find work, it's a real shame. I hope they catch this person, or people that did this. I'm sure they will. There are not many arson crimes that go unsolved. It's only a matter of time.

Businesses such as these will never get support in the midcoast region. While there may be true mainers there, the people from away, (political correct, wealthy, greedy, snobs who develop our land and raise our taxes, and also probably paid someone to burn the place) seem to have more power, so what they say and/or think goes. The midcoast is full of those kind of people. From Rockland to Wiscassett (sp.) If they oppose the type of business it won't stay. Obviously enough people were for a new business because it was established in the first place, but it really was doing no harm. Adults have a choice to enter it, it's not sinful, imposing, or demeaning in any way, with the exception of the topless waitress outside, which could have been avoided.

Maybe people don't like the idea of a topless bar or strip joint in there town, but instead of burning it down and risking innocent lives,just stay the hell away from it.the ones who work there don't care if they show there breast, so why should you.If you don't go there you don't see it so get over it. There were a ton of people who did not want the gambling casino in Bangor, but you don't see people burning that down, they just stay away from it. It is suppose to be a free country, that means not everyone is going to like what someone does but don't go burn them out or take the chance of killing someone. To the person or persons that did this, how whould you be feeling right now if all those people which included two 4 month old babies had died? They always say you get your payback, and I believe when it is time for you to face God, you will go to Hell instead. To the ones that thought it was funny, you should go To Hell to, because innocent people could be dead right now all over stupidity. It bothers me that anyone one whould think this was funny. If you wanted to burn it down you should have atleast mad sure nobody was in it. just grow up people and get a life

Maybe Maine needs a new slogan........The State of Hate.

"Sherry Perry, also of Vassalboro, said: “I’m a believer and I’m a Christian and I don’t want this trash in my backyard. No good can come from it.”

Why am I not surprised? It's probably someone who will say "I did this because I'm a Christian," just like Tiller and the rest.

Goes to show you what some fanatical "Christian" is capable of. "Strong moral values" did this, some coward is hiding in his/her home tonight, with a warm bed to sleep in. This person could have killed people, two 4 month old infants. I say an unruly mob is in order, I'll get the pitchforks, who wants to bring the torches?

It is interesting that the Maine supreme court upheld that women streaking or nude in public is legal, but the coffee shop is an issue which is indoors?

I think we have much bigger problems to worry about than consenting adults doing anything with each other that doesn't involve inflicting physical or emotional harm. I applaud those of you who have a mature and open perspective on life and the rest of you should consider redirecting your energy into doing whatever is necessary to avoid inflicting your stupidity on the rest of us in the future.

I can't believe any business person (or anyone ) could invest so much time and money into a place and not have insurance. What an Idiot.

It is a crime. There are other ways legally to protest and be heard when you disagree with something. Our constitution provides for freedom of speach and freedom of undue prossicution, not freedom to take the law into your own hands. Some one destroyed something that another worked hard to make, even if we do not agree with the type of establishment it was it is unfair to destoy it.

WHO are we to say what businesses can be run? oh wait that's right this is NOT a free country. ..will ordinance prevent him from re opening now? or is he grandfathered?

Insurance, people......I'm with nanarfromCF.......$277,000 into something and not insure it? Just plain stupid.

Rebuild..bigger and better and maybe add a place for gay married people to hang out..really piss these closed minded dimwits..Ima 50 yr old women, and if I had the body..I'd go for that topless car washing fund raiser to help the build...lmao :)

Why is it that Christians are getting bashed in this? You are all assuming the arsonist was someone who truly values some sort of moral code, but I can tell you that a true Christian (not just a spouter with no moral backing to their ideology) would never dream of burning someone out of their business or home. I just don't understand why anyone who takes a stand on a moral issue is suddenly branded a 'hater' and vilified. What has happened to this country that being a Christian has become a bad thing?

This is the case of the jealous woman as far as I'm concerned. It's really to bad that someone is so insecure they have to go to such great lengths to assure her man didnt see any titties The funny thing is ,is honey getting rid of the titties isnt gonna stop your man from roaming. If he's roaming he's gonna roam a roaming dog never stays home no matter how long he's punished each time he does it. Theres nothing wrong with strip clubs or topless donut shops. It's different strokes for different folks. If your not into it stay away from it. As for the girls going out in public for breaks well thats not cool I wouldnt appreciate my children seeing a nude woman outside smoking or what ever she was doing. The owner should make a nice fenced in patio in the rear of the building for outside breaks. I do hope the man rebuilds bigger and better maybe even some dancers. I also wish the employees the best of luck while unemployed. Maybe they can draw unemployment if they've been there long enough and have a nice topless summern just loungeing around drinking some cold onces on the wicked vixen from vassalboro. I hope the person gets caught and punished. Not just a slap on the wrist and dont do it again.

Wow, glad i dont live in that town.

And i though the people around here were close-minded.

Before you bible thumpers start spouting off your morals...remember, more people have died in the name of "God" then any other cause in the history of man.....

its time for you to evolve, grow some thumbs, become part of the human race...

If you don't like places like this one don't go there.People that complain the most about placese like that are more than likly closet perverts.Wow...pretty much a whole state full of closet perverts.

I kind of love that it was called Grand Veiw.... :) Not a laughing matter I realize...

Mr. Crabtree, we're always looking for bright new businesses here in Northern Maine. I would love a shop like the one in Vasselboro, Bring the pretty ladies! We're all a bunch of one toothed hicks anyway! I seriously hope the person responsible for burning this business man's building down gets punished to the full extent of the law and is required to pay Mr. Crabtree restitution in full, even if it means for the rest of his life.

Thank you BDN for keeping us abreast.

"On 6/4/09 at 7:32 AM, mainehorsenut wrote:

Why is it that Christians are getting bashed in this? You are all assuming the arsonist was someone who truly values some sort of moral code, but I can tell you that a true Christian (not just a spouter with no moral backing to their ideology) would never dream of burning someone out of their business or home. I just don't understand why anyone who takes a stand on a moral issue is suddenly branded a 'hater' and vilified. What has happened to this country that being a Christian has become a bad thing? "

Finally.. someone stands up to all this ridiculous sputtering..... what has being a Christian got to do with any of this article? I am appalled that statements like some being made are actually from Mainers. I lived in Vassalboro.. my Dad still lives there... it's a great little community. When the topic first came up about a topless coffee shop in Vassalboro I laughed.. who would think that would work in this small town? Although I applaud anyone their entrepenureal feats... Mr. Crabtree isn't even from the area.. why didn't he develop his business in his own town? Ask anyone that has a business on Rt. 3 from Augusta to Belfast.. they don't get a lot of traffic except from locals.. Rt. 3 is a race track from 95 to Bar Harbor for goodness sake! And really.. investing a quarter of a million dollars and no insurance? Is that even good business practice? Especially when people are living in part of the facilities? Now I don't particularly think that being served my coffee and donut from a bare chested man or woman is the least bit interesting - that's why I get my coffee and donuts at Tim Horton's - but as stated by others.. if you don't like it.. don't patronize the business. It's as simple as that - and while everyone is tossing Christians and Vassalboro residents under the bus.. ever think that maybe Mr. Crabtree might have had a hand in this just to "spark" controversy? After all.. he was there on the premises.. along with 5 other employees... hmmmmm.. that makes as much sense as some of the ideas being tossed around here.

Let the authorities do their job... the answers will come out soon enough.

Thank God no one was injured

I personally think it was an angry wife that found out her husband had been making frequent stops to the coffee shop....jealousy can make people do crazy things. It's pretty sad actually, it could of been one of the locals that hated having that place around. But, I would drive past that place every so often on my way to Augusta, and you cant see a thing inside, there were always vehicles there (showing the place did do somewhat well), and no matter what the job is, they were employing people. I personally have never been inside, and probably dont plan on it (although would like a peek of a topless hot muscular guy) lol...but hope they do open back up. People who were offended, get over it! Wifes or husbands that were upset, get over it! Nothings ever perfect but noone has to set fire to a place that people live and do their business! I hope the person who did it feels horrible there were people sleeping inside, and two infants at that!

And by reading others comments, for the most part everyone that has commented on here thinks the business did no harm, only the people of the town were offended, bunch of bible thumpers. I am a happy Irish Catholic, and I mind my own damn business...so to all the Christians that were upset, go to your church, practice your religion and leave other people alone!

Just one more case od Onward christian terrorists.

I see that Christian(s) are being blamed by several people up here for this crime.

Why? Christ did not support acts of violence.

I haven't seen any evidence that would support that a Christian, a muslim, a white person, a black person, a straight person, a gay person, a pacifist or a militant committed this crime.

Without any evidence, you're jumping to conclusions based on your own biases.

Perhaps we are jumping to conclusions, but not because of our own biases. Past performance is the bases for our conclusions.

No gw2kpro no one is blaming the Christians for the fire, all I think we are trying to say is, the comment that was made by the christian woman was her personal opinion, and we are expressing ours. For anyone religious or not...to just mind your business. I have never once drove by there and saw topless workers, nor anything that was offensive.....its everyones personal choice to work or go there. Come on, if we were in any other state, there would be a strip joint in most towns, and its not illegal! How would you feel if this was Vegas, and there were "sex ranches"? It could happen, so be happy all we got is a little topless coffee shop!

No insurance? Must have had cash to buy and invest in the business,big cash,mmmmmmm?

"Past performance is the bases for our conclusions. "

That's bias.

If you heard of people of a particular race committing horrible acts of violence, then saw a news article of a double murder, and immediately conclude (based on no facts) that someone of that same particular race committed those murders, how is that not bias?

All people are biased to some extent, it is how people interpret the world around them. Some are just more biased than others. Severe biases show up as racism, bigotry, etc.

If you think that is bias, just check the comments found on bdn from the tolerant, kind, and loving "christians." It is just the christian taliban on the loose again. I've said it before, a zealot is a zelot whether he/she is praying to god or to allah.

Crabtree says he spent over 277,000.00 to buy and fix this place up? He says he has no insurance? Give me a break. How can you run a business that is open to the public with no insurance? I could care less that this place is gone. It promotes sex and sickness. We are always asking why people are sexually abused. This is one of the reasons why. People start to think that ALL women have no self respect or brains in their heads. GET A REAL JOB where you put on clothes instead of taking them off!

hahahaha are you freakin kidding? Sex and SICKNESS??? How is a person serving a cup of coffee topless serving up SICKNESS?? Let me guess you sleep in flannel pjs huh? :)

I'm sure to get in trouble for that one, but COME ON! hahahaha

it is jsut ashame that people will go to the burning of a buiness instead of letting it fail or succedd on its own. In this country that is suppose to be free you dont like it dont go but to burn it down because you think you have that right is jsut stupid and crazy. I for one hope he rebuilds and goes bigger not becasue i want to go but because he should have that right. DOnt like soemthing dont go to it dont pertacapate dont read it but for gods sake done burn it.

OMG countryliving...are you serious? People are sexually abused??? Noone is getting sexually abused there, Im sure! Check with some abusers fathers, uncles, and church members that abused them when they were little....come on now...if these woman chose that job, thats their choice. Heck one of my girlfriends from highschool moved to Atlanta, GA. after graduation, had no money to pay for her college degree, so decided to strip and go to school. She was able to fully pay for her education in one year, and now has her degree and is a lawyer. So again, just someone judging someone for what they choose to do. I know other business where people are fully dressed, and more shady stuff goes on behind closed business doors then at a strip joint! When they find out who did this, may that person get a harsh reality check..should be charged with attempted murder..who knows if that ambulance didnt drive past and call the police, those family members with the 2 little kids could of DIED...now thats ignorance!

Good thing it wasnt bottomless too ! i would have to wonder who pokes the holes in the donuts.

PLEASE COME TO BANGOR

This is my second post. I'm a photographer in Philly. One of the studio's models is a college student. She has a stunning figure, and is paid $100/hr for nude modeling. Her other job is at Bally's, and she told me it pays minimum wage.

I'm 56, but if I was her age and had her physique, I'd take my clothes off too for 100 bucks an hour. You should see the workshops. A gorgeous teenager running around nude, with a gaggle of middle aged men carrying Cadillac priced photography rigs. Who is exploiting whom? Here's one scene - fully clothed - from a workshop: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ubereye/3595559876/

"Sherry Perry, also of Vassalboro, said: “I’m a believer and I’m a Christian and I don’t want this trash in my backyard. No good can come from it.”

What's the divorce rate in her church? Anyone there commit adultery, or incest, or molesting - or is everyone there as pure as the driven snow? She cannot be serious.

were on our way to hell in a basket, what kind of impression does this make on our children? topless waiters and waitresses, no wonder our kids are so messed up in Maine

It's amazing how much some people are so afraid of Breasts. Logically it makes no sense. Those that think it's dirty and disgusting need some therapy for their religious upbringing.

Topless waiters and waitresses are a major threat, but it is ok to impress our children with the righteousness of endangering others lives and destroying another's property and livelihood? Get a grip.

This small shop did not try to hide what it was. Those that liked it could go in and have coffee.

Those that dissaproved, could choose to not go in. Pretty simple. Lets take our children to OOB for a nice family picnic and some fun in the sunshine and playing on the beach. What could anyone possibly be seen that would not be in good taste for children there?. After all, thatis a family place.

Huumm, actually they will most likely see more there then in the coffee shop. Lets catch the people who nearly killed someone, before they blow up the beach too. Let the coffee shop rebuild, and think about posting some warning signs on OOB.

Well first of all NO INSURANCE!? not a very bright business owner. He was trying to get nude dancing ok'd for the place? wow he was biting off too much too fast...if he was thinking of expanding & adding "NEW" venues why not wait until the place was better established. He obviosly pressed the buttons of the board members and really ticked someone off. I hope the person who set the fire will be caught, and I hope the owner takes the hint and leaves town, for what will happen next time??? I would be scared to even work there, and why do women degrade themselves? Breasts were made for feeding and lovers enjoyement....not the world to see.

it doesnt matter if u like the place or u dont. someone probably set the fire because they didnt like the place yes.. but whether we comment on liking the place or hating it. They still endangered the lives of people as someone said above and they still committed a crime. u dont have to like the place, no one does but if u endanger lives u deserve any punishment and retribution u get. i hope they find the people or person who did this soon. I hope the people displaced will get back on thier feet soon and back to thier lives.

Christains my donkey! Visit Rio de Janeiro's Coppa Cabanna Beach where gorgeous women walk around topless. There's more breasts there than at Kentucky Fried. It's taboo in America because of all you Bible thumpers push'in your beliefs on the rest of us. It's ok for you hypocrites to watch porno's on the internet or chase little boys though.

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Bangorian wrote: "I'm not sure disliking a raunchy topless bar qualifies one for the title "stuck up snob". How about "civilized" instead"

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Good point, Bangorian.

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For the record, the Christians that do this kind of thing, silentarrow and others, are CRAZY. Those of us who believe in God get kind of offended at the "clump" we get placed into with these nutjobs. And brooks10 I highly doubt that the topless bar in Valsalboro has affected many Maine kids. Stop fishing...

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Jimsgirl wrote: "The waitress was a bright young lady, a college student interested in going for her master's. We had an intelligent conversation with this bright young lady."

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Actually, not too bright at all; no decent man will marry her now.

Parkavejoe, have you ever seen the movie Pretty Woman??? :)

where am i going to get my morning cup of joe?!

The ruthless, militant Puritans have attacked the dangerous boobies. Let me know when I can come out of my bunker.

so long sodom and ghonorrea!!!!!

Are you kidding me? I am SURE that no one caught gonorrhea from accepting a cup of coffee from someone with out a shirt. What is the MATTER with you people?? Flannel pjs, and the Family channel. GIVE ME A BREAK

OMG ... some of you people are so closed minded and ignorant.... this establishment wasn't hurting anyone... wasn't adding to the downfall of society... but was providing a niche service, legal employment and tax base.

If you really think that this was so horrible I can only hope and "pray" that some higher being opens your eyes.

Sheeeeesh give me a friggin break.

Society and religion oh please save us from ourselves. IDIOTS. Topless don't hurt anybody but the wickedness in your minds plays you for a fool. Nobody would think anything about it if not for religion making it taboo. Get a life, the world is falling apart and a couple of boobs ain't going to hurt you one bit. Accept the kind that post their hate, now those boobs need some help.

psssst hey did anyone tell you that North Korea and Iran are testing Nukes? Shhhhh that isn't nearly as dangerous as some some boobies and java. Yeah so glad we all are focused on what's important here.

rebuild in belfast,thay need some jobs that pay more then minimum wage.the local girls are a little big and have one tooth but you got to work with what you got.

berquis wrote: Parkavejoe, have you ever seen the movie Pretty Woman??? :) "

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No.

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But let me guess: prince charming, in the guise of some rich guy, falls in love with a slut and marries her.

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Only in Hollywierd.

mypointis wrote: "IDIOTS. Topless don't hurt anybody "

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Considering the unsavory elements who frequent topless places, I wouldn't want to buy a house in that town.

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Not good for home property values.

Well I guess they don't have to worry about "property values" now because.....SOMEONE BURNED THEM OUT!!!!!!

Wonder if am arsonist on the lose will increase or decrease property values?

A consideration....the only way this business was going to survive was by being frequented by non-Christen low-lifes with an accent and food stamps ?? Maybe that's why Dumka Nonuts hasn't considered that area for a new location. Now, on the other hand, Camden warrents consideration by the "chain" because there is much "coinage" in the area. Now, where did the $$$$$ come from ???? Oh yes, the same flat landers that oppose it's location. Money follows money......

Here are some facts from http://www.city-data.com/city/Vassalboro-Maine.html

Population in July 2007: 4,425. Population change since 2000: +6.6%

Estimated median household income in 2007: $45,835 (it was $37,923 in 2000)

Vassalboro: $45,835

Maine: $45,888

Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $147,246 (it was $85,800 in 2000)

Vassalboro: $147,246

Maine: $176,000

So the population of Vassalboro is higher than:

Holden - 2,982. Population change since 2000: +4.4%

Orrington - 3,669. Population change since 2000: +3.0%

Corinth - 2,689. Population change since 2000: +5.2%

Eddington - 2,229. Population change since 2000: +6.7%

all of which have Dunkin Donuts franchises!

"Unchristian," immoral." Whatevah and get a freekin' life all you holier than thou self-righteous twits. Get the hell over yourselves. Since when did showing a couple titties = immorality? Where did some of you develop such a horror over tatahs? Probably the same types that get all ass-crampy over those sluts who dare to breast feed in public. BTW all you sexists out there, has it occurred to anyone that a pissed off HUBBY, not WIFEY, may have caused the fire because of jealousy over the stud muffin who works down the lane? I think testosterone's caused a few more fires than estrogen. Also surprised, but probably shouldn't be, over the haters focusing on the lack of insurance. The real shock is the hatred of the arsonist/would be murderer.

Just because you don't like something doesn't mean you resort to violence and destruction to get rid of it. The people that did this just look like big you know what's. Whoever it was, they risked people's lives, not just those who work there. What if the fire spread? And if they didn't like it, just don't go there, plain and simple. If you don't like pizza you don't go to a pizza joint right? I'm sure this stuff about someone outside topless waving to cars is just vindictive comments. People who worked there and the owners know about how disliked they were by some and how they should follow all the rules to keep their business up and running, they wouldn't risk it like that with people that would have been so carefree.

Build it back , bigger, better and with the arsonists wife as chief pole dancer in charge of giving the guys a raise! If one doesn't like places like this, " art room", then stay home and cook their muffins and sausage there. If hubby has a lingering stare at the place as you drive by it, then get a job there so he can see you as an "art piece" rather than a chief cook and bottle washer.

"berquis wrote: Parkavejoe, have you ever seen the movie Pretty Woman??? :) "

.No. But let me guess: prince charming, in the guise of some rich guy, falls in love with a slut and marries her.

Only in Hollywierd."

Bingo! When did you see the movie?

I can not believe that some people think that the owner did this. I'm sure that he would risk his life, his daughters lives and his grandchildrens lives, get real. Don't you think if he was going to do this, all of them would have made a trip out of town or would not have been at home, like all the other people that burns there own places down. Don't you think that if he was going to do it, they would have taking stuff out so they would have something other then the clothes on there back?Don't be so stupid

I am friends with the mans ex wife who is the mother to his kids and the grandmother. They lost everything all because of some jerk that thought showing boobs were awlful. Have you ever looked at what people wear to stores or should I say what they don't wear to stores? You not only see boobs but you can see other priate parts. I feel if these women want to show there breast that is up to them. I don't see someone burning down these womens houses that haul ther boobs out in public to breast feed. why is that ok but because these women are earning a living with there boobs, they are bad. I am sure whoever did this has watched and enjoyed a movie that showed topless women. What is the diffrence? Like one person said, go to the beaches, you see alot more then boobs there.

To the one that did this,I hope you don't have children, because anyone that would set a fire where there were children, don't deserve to have children of there own. Your children should be taken away from you. Whoever did this, I hope you rot in hell, and I hope that you have nightmares every night knowing that if it wasn't for the ambulance attendent those people would have probably perished in the fire.

It is time that people grow up and realize that just because you don't like something does not give you the right to take it away

first...to ralist38...I'm not saying your friend is a liar, but I am saying that I live in the area, I drive past there several times a day, and I have never seen anyone "topless waiving to cars"...oh wait...yes I am calling your friend a liar...Second it's disgusting that anybody would believe that it is okay to risk the lives of seven people so that they can push their agenda...I am so sick and tired of psychotic rightwinged religious finatics going around pushing their beliefs onto everyone around them. Most of the people in our area just don't care that it's there. But the loudest ones are the ones that disagree because they want everyone to hear them bellyaching...I used to think that Maine was above other states...now I see it's just not so...Maine is filled with these judgemental rednecks...and I agree whomever did this should be charged with attempted murder and sent to jail for the rest of their life...

Greatest flaw of Pretty Woman is no "streetwalker" looks like Julia Roberts. In the real world Characters like Gere's use high end escorts that go for thousands a' la Governor Spitser. And though we all love to think that the Pygmalion Story (MY Fair Lady, Educating Rits et. al.) is real is is not not happening in the real world. As they say, you can take the prostitute off the street but you can't take the street off the prostitute. (I wanted to use the wh-re, but that words use was blocked).

Topless coffee is immoral but gay marriage acceptable.............. someone has put the definition of perversion in a blender

Sad state of affairs to risk lives because you disagree with someones business venture. I hope that whoever did this has the intestinal fortitude to come forward and fess up. To whoever did this I say you are a coward! Anyone who slinks around in the night and does not have the character to openly face an issue bothering them is a spineless individual. Perhaps karma will reciprocate. This was a legally licensed business, like it or not.

Dam didnt' noticed they had one , but um do they have one so us females can go for coffee and look at nude men that shows there bottom half? All us Wifey's can get together and go there? Sound good? Tell your hubby your going lol.

A question; was the business making a good profit? If I were the fire investigator, I would also check out the finances of the owner. A little lightning has been used before to relieve a debt situation.

I am sure they will...but as the building was not insured, he would not "make" anything on it and burning it would not relieve the debt owed to anyone. And if he paid cash for everything and had no debt and still burned the business, it still makes no sense. Where is the motive?

JD2008 @ 6:28 there you go making sense once again!! Where else in Bangor Maine can one go and on a particular articles thread talk about religion, sexual preference, nudity, movies, criminal activity, community personalities, laws pertaining to punishing criminals, hate crimes, boycotting a busines, civility, Dunkin Donuts, metal plates in people's heads, liberals, conservatives, spew out hateful comments, do some Christian bashing, toplessness, bottomlessness, fear of breasts, property values, wow I need a coffee and donut!! Anyway no matter how you slice it, an ARSONIST committed a heinous crime and put a family at risk and ruined a families business...find the idiot before it can be done to another....

revgerald

you werent born naked?

what did you have cloths on when you were born ???........LOL.

must be a typo

thats what I was thinking sledge,,, I was sure as hell born naked....

Lets see, So many Maine people want Homosexuals to be able to get married,So its ok with that! But people burn down a business because a women shows her boobs? Whats wrong with the people of Maine? The same person that burned this business down probably masterbates to a picture of a naked person that he or she Acquired years ago.

Iseenow... thats why this state is gay...

you can burn down a topless bar

you can't burn down a gay

HAHAHA I should get some sort of royalties just for bringing up that movie! And for once I do agree with you on part of something gregdavid.... no street walker looks like Julia Roberts. Yes. Correct. HOWEVER, I do not find an ounce of evidence that these coffee serving girls are street walkers. Some would say comparable but on that I would disagree.

Ok think about this... in a LOT of places it is legal for woman to walk down the street topless... most don't but if they wanted to they could, just as a man can walk down the street topless. What is wrong with people.. boobs are part of nature. These are probably the same people that think woman should not breast feed in public. If you don't like it..... don't go there. Most people are just insecure because God forbid their significant other looks at one of these woman's boobs hahaha.

melanie could I see nature's good work?

You know this is the saddest story I have ever read!

I thought people were adults in Vassalboro! And not children out there. To burn someone's business because you don't like what they are doing. Personally they are not harming anyone and these girls all had a goal whatever it may be..schooling, raising their kids, whatever it may be and are now out of work again because of someone's ignorance! It really makes me so teed when I see this!

I really feel for him.. but on the other hand.. this was a risky business and he should of had this insured most definitely.

I hope that those that are for this in Vassalboro may decide to help him in some way to rebuild this wonderful coffee shop.

You know?

It is just not right.

Maine needs to open up more to the pace. We can have Diva's in the middle of downtown Bangor but heaven forbid we put out a topless coffee shop in Vassalboro, Maine!

I think it is a great idea and I hope that he is able to re build somehow.. either with grants and/or loans somehow.

Vassalboro does not understand with this business, he brought business in to other stores in the area, helping their economy! And whether or not they liked it it would of helped them in many ways had they left it alone.

I hope they catch the person that did this and don't just give them a slap on the wrist either but punish them to the fullest extent!

No offense here but it was probably a bunch of old bitty's from a church group! LOL

That is just my take on all this!

Hey! Whats wrong with flannel night gowns? I wear wool socks with mine :)

Seems very interesting that a State passes same sex marriages, but houses individuals that burn down a topless coffee shop. What's that say about today's society??

Nothing as long as you take them off once in a while ;)

jayneinmaine TIME FOR YOU TO GET WITH THE TIMES TOPLESS IS HARMLESS.. IT OS A GOOD SOURCE OF INCOME FOR THESE YOUNG LADIES. IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE PLACE JUST DO NOT TAKE YOUR BUSINESS THERE, DO NOT DENY THOSE WHOM WISH TO PARTAKE IN SUCH ACTIVITIES FROM DOING SO. IT IS BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU THAT MAINE IS IN THE SHAPE IT IS NO ONE IS STAYING IN THE STATE.

Trash in my back yard.I like that. Thats like saying its ok for two men to walk down the sidewalk hand in hand. Give me a break, its no diffrent then turning on your tv every night. I suppose you dont watch tv either Ms. Perry? Did you ever patronize the place? I rest my case.

Yankeeman 6-4 @ 10:41 I would have to wonder who pokes holes in the donuts! LMAO!!!!!!

greens04952 6-5 @6:08, Men working in a bottomless coffee shop! LOL, It brings a whole new meaning to the term "coffee stirrer"

Give it a rest, what about allllll the nudey beachs? We have em in maine,,,,but shhhhh dont tell because the "snobs" would probably do something to them. If its clean and well organized leave it alone. Let it be. Let the people work, let someone have a business. There was no harm in what they were doing. If my husband wanted to go there I wouldnt have had a problem, as long as I get a donut!

I am his son Donald Crabtree Jr. I can tell you this, he did not need insurance where he bought the building with cash and had no mortgage. As for financial problems you’re somewhat right but more so wrong. My father had used his entire life savings remodeling this motel. When he first purchased this property through an auction, he was unsure as to what he was going to do. Motels weren’t a big hit and the town was in a rural area and he wanted something unique, something that would draw in income and benefit the town. It took him months to figure out what he wanted to do and then finally it hit him. A topless coffee shop. He meant no harm by it, none what so ever. He spent a lot of money to get it open once it was approved. Most the building was still under construction after he opened, so money was tight but not to the point where he would fold, not even close. He had planned on getting insurance by the end of the year but didn’t think it would be a major issue, obviously he was wrong.

As for the fire, lets just my Dad is not himself anymore. It became his life and now it‘s all ash. I don’t think you people understand exactly how hard he worked for that business and how happy he was with it. You know he made it outside alive but what you don’t know is when the building was in flames he ran back in to get his last $1900 out of his safe. One more thing, my two 19 year old sisters were in that building along with my two 4 month old nephews while it was on fire.

Whoever did this, I hope you rawt in Hell.

dc04640 thanks for the post and info and I as well agree that whomever is responsible can be found and receive the punishment deserved...as far as insurance and some of the comments one does not just insure things they hold a payment on...even when not owing money insurance will protect investment and give back when a loss comes so that someone that has a tragedy such as this is not left without anything for their time, effort and monies...give your dad my best and sounds like he is a man who will work and recover from this terrible happening...and yes very thankful he and others who were in the building at the time of the fire are safe and physically well...my best to your family....

i'm grateful my husband and I had the opportunity to stop and enjoy great coffee, wonderful cinnamon buns and a most pleasant chat with one of the waitresses. I'm also grateful that all got out of the structure safely. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and it's my belief that while this incident is tragic now, it will serve to teach tolerance, understanding and respect for others' rights and beliefs, regardless if they match our own. Who among us has a right to destroy what another has created, through much determination and hard work, following the laws along the way and creating much-needed jobs? I only hope that Mr. Crabtree and his family won't develop a distrust of all Mainers because of the ignorance, arrogance and self-righteous behavior of only a portion of the state's population. There are many things in society that I wouldn't consider taking part in myself, but as long as no laws are broken and no one is hurt, it certainly isn't up to me to stop such. I just choose to not take part. All these folks who criticized the donut shop and its staff, without even setting foot in the establishment, are nothing more than hipocrits. What skeletons are hiding in their closets? Judge not lest ye be judged. And believe me, there will come a day when they will face judgment and their words will come back to bite them in the butt. They have a right to their opinion, but when it includes false/wrong statements and not factual, then it's time to be educated. Tolerance... it's a lesson that's never to late to learn. Best of luck to the owner and here's hoping he finds a way to rebuild.