Fire at Bunch of Grapes - Martha's Vineyard Landmark

A severe blaze on the 4th of July destroyed Main Street Vineyard Haven's Cafe Moxie, then devastated the adjoining Bunch of Grapes bookstore before being extinguished by a joint effort of volunteer fire corps from all three major island towns. The thirty-year old bookstore has been a gathering spot for literary luminaries for decades. The late William Styron called the Bunch of Grapes "the best bookstore in America." Although damage was extensive, no one was injured thanks in part to bookstore employees' quick action evacuation of the store. The fire started in the basement of Cafe Moxie, which was not open for business. The entire building was burnt to the ground. Ann Nelson, Bunch of Grapes owner stressed the importance of the community's response and help and said she was extremely grateful for the amazing efforts of firefighters from Vineyard Haven, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown.