GoFundMe page created to help raise money to rebuild historic Hank Dietle's Tavern

ROCKVILLE, Md. - A GoFundMe page has been created to help raise money for the cleanup and recovery efforts to rebuild Rockville's oldest bar.

Hank Dietle's Tavern on Rockville Pike has been a staple in Montgomery County for more than 100 years. The building was constructed in 1916 and then opened later as a tavern in the 1950s. In fact, it was granted the first post-prohibition liquor license in the county.

However, the historic bar went up in flames early Wednesday morning. The fire is believed to have been accidentally started from discarded smoking materials on the front porch of the building.

The building was a total loss after the blaze, with estimated damage worth around $500,000, according to fire officials.

Tony Huniak has owned Hank Dietle's Tavern for the past 20 years and told FOX 5 that he hopes to rebuild. But he will likely need help depending on how much insurance will cover for the two-story building.

The newly-created GoFundMe page is being used to raise funds that will assist with the cleanup of the building, the purchase of replacement items for the business and to help their employees who are unfortunately out of work due to the fire. If you would like to donate, go to www.gofundme.com/HANKDIETLESOFFICIAL