Gasway Insurance Building Torn Down

After more than 60 years of doing business at 904 East National Avenue, it only took a day to destroy what many consider a landmark in the community.

“I am not really bummed about it,” said Richard Gasway during a telephone interview from Florida Wednesday, where he’s enjoyed his retirement since 2005. “All good things come to an end someday.”

Richard said his father, Robert Gasway, was in the insurance business on Jackson Street when he purchased the building from Bill MacCamack in the early 60s. Robert and his wife Christine worked together while Richard grew up, eventually taking over the family business. Richard’s son Clay took over from 2005 until 2020 when he sold it to a Greencastle company.

Locally, officials confirmed The Peterson Company and S&G Excavating were tearing down the old building and the house next door. Expectations are high the project for a new health facility will be done early next year if the weather stays good.

However, Richard understands how the community sees the sadness of witnessing another landmark disappear within a day. He said he appreciated the community’s support over the years and now.

“Three generations made a living there for more than 60 years,” Richard said. “On the other hand, there is happiness there. I believe that a new business will be great for the community. It’s a new chapter for Brazil. When my father started the business there, it was kind of at the end of the sidewalk. There were no businesses on that side of town. This will be good for the city.”

NOTE: In this story, the name Gasway was spelled incorrectly in the initial copy.