Published: June 2, 2006 12:00 pm
Historic Home Goes Up in Smoke
Bradley, Oklahoma--Gaylon Mitchusson, property owner, burned down one of the town's most beloved landmarks at 8:00 am this morning. For years, it stood empty then Gaylon decided to rent the old Rayburn house free of charge to anyone who would live in it. Some of the home's former tenants over the years were: Mark Webb and his family, Terry Alexander and family, and Brandon Rossenclaus. The home apparently needed some roof and plumbing work, and according to Gaylon, he was "tired of dealing with it." He also wanted the few extra square feet to graze his cattle.
Two helicopters, one from Channel 9 News, and a rescue chopper hovered above the inferno. We later learned that they were searching for a crop duster pilot who had crashed his plane near Alex about the same time the fire was started. Certainly the blaze distracted the search pilots from their task.
Several people showed up to watch the fire and take photos. Everyone watched helplessly in disbelief as the fire blazed, engulfing a piece of the town's history.
The entire town is upset about it. Many people expressed their discontent about the burning of the Rayburn House, issuing the following statements:
"I really wish he hadn't done it," said Bob Badertscher.
"We could've used it as the headquarters for a historical society or museum," related Donna Thornburg.
"I bet Floyd Rayburn is rolling over in his grave right about now," remarked Larry Morris as the house burned.
"This is what happens when someone has too much money."
"He grew up here the same as the rest of us. Doesn't he care anything about the town?"
"What was he thinking? That house is part of our history!"
"Nobody cares about this town, not even the people who have always lived here and this proves it."
"Some people have no respect for our ancestors or for our past."
"It's just pure selfishness."
"He really hurt the town when he did it."
"First the school, now the Rayburn House. Will the cemetery be next?"
"I'm really going to miss it."