Video of Heritage House Fire in Howard

[Teresa]

11-17-07

VIDEO LINK

[Jo McDonald]

Thank you Kjell and Teresa for the video of the Howard Hotel ( Heritage House) fire.

  How tragic and how sad that a building that was that beautiful was not taken care of and perserved as it should have been,
is now gone forever.  The wood that was in that old hotel was beautiful.  When Harold and Fern Crowell purchaed it from Dave and Hazel Knight, Fern was so proud of the beauty of the floors and the wood work....then it was used as a --What??
an eye sore and a junkie collection of everything and anything. 

   Sorry --- but it just makes me sick when things like this are possessed  and not taken care of.  I was on the forum last night when Wilma and Mom were posting, I was wondering this morning when I woke up what the outcome of the fire would be --- so proud of Kjell and Teresa for putting us foremost in their thought and got the video on the forum. 
   How wonderful for our small town that we have dedicated young men to take care of our safety, by volunteering their talents and effort as firemen.  Our two Grandsons' are among them and we are so proud of Dan and Derek.

[Teresa]

You are more than welcome.
 I am so glad that we are able to do it, and also we are so fortunate our own Mr. Kjell is as fast and smart as he is.
 That video would have taken me a few hours to put together.. but he came on home ( I stayed to take pics) and didn't even take a shower yet.
 He made himself a strong cup of coffee.. sat down and got that video made. As I as walking in the door, he was uploading it.
 I was shocked but very proud that he had done it, so those of you who were not there could see it.
Isn't this forum and website great?
 I know that maybe I am bragging, but I just think it is a wonderful place to keep friends in touch..new friends are being made on a daily basis..and in a small town, what an awesome way to get the news out!

Yep.. That ole' Kjell was a purty smart cookie when he made this site for us to have, use and enjoy.
( But he is also the most kindest,caring and soft hearted person you will ever know)

[Bonnie M.]

I appreciated the video, also.  And, I share in Jo's "distress" in seeing a building of such historical value, being so neglected.  Jo, was this where A. D. and "Mrs." Wolfe lived, eons ago?  If so, I thought I would try and send a copy of the video to Clarice, Phyllis Wolfe's daughter, and she can share it with Phyllis.  Clarice and her family, and Phyllis, all ive in San Antonio.

Good job.

Thanks.

[Teresa]

I am working on a slide show of still shots.
 Just as a heads up.. these pictures are taken at night.. with smoke surrounding everything and no lighting.
But I did the best that I could with the conditions at the time that I had to work with.
 So please take all that in consideration when viewing the show.

[Jo McDonald]

Yes, Bonnie, this was where A.D. and Letha lived.  I didn't know where  Phyllis and Lynn's daughter lived, but I's sure they will be interested in this.
  I am surprised that this tragedy didn't happen long ago, as there was  never any  precaution taken to  make it safe, despite the Mayor and city council trying every thing in their legal power to make it happen.  And if the state fire marshal hasn't fulfilled his follow up duty to condemn it building, there should be some action taken.
 It is wonderful that there were no injuries to our "heros" -- the volunteer firemen from Howard and other communities.  Every time the whistle blows in the small towns, the volunteers are suited up and on the scene.  When there are memorials at the time of the loss of loved ones...I have often thought the volunteer Fire Department would be a wonderful place for memorial gifts.
  Well, guess I am on the "blabbing train" today, so will get off and let someone else have a ride.
 

[Wilma]

Jo, I love to hear you blab.  Don't stop on my account.

I have been wondering about fire regulations and if they apply in a small town.  Does anyone know?

[Jody]

I keep wondering why there are so many old houses that need to be torn down?  Friends who come to Howard with me, ask me that question.   TThey also say it s a pretty little town an that it is a shame that these houses are allowed to just fall down before anything is done.   And then some times  it is a long time before anything is done.,

[Bonnie M.]

Jo, I did send the video, and a couple of notes written about the fire, to Clarice. 

It is such a good thing that the fire didn't spread into other structures.  Have you seen the "Longton Hotel" recently?  It is a "disaster waiting to happen!"  And, it, also, was at one time, such a "neat" place. 

Stay safe!

[Jo McDonald]

As I have posted before, Fred and Ray Rex Allen were classmates and very close friends, and Fred stayed with Ray Rex many times overnight and the Allens' were owners of the Longton Hotel and Longton cafe in the 1940's...then in the summers of 1944 and 1945, Fred lived at the Howard Hotel that was owned at that time by his Great Uncle, Frank Organ.  I do hope Longton Mayor and City council will note this tragedy and tear down the Longton Hotel before some thing like this fire happens there.  The Longton  hotel is just south of  the housing units,  and that would be absolutely the most frightening thing ever to happen.  What a blessing that the weather was not a factor in the Howard fire.  The guardian angels were busy last night, for sure.
  Time for me to say good night - I work tomorrow and the next three days.  Our park is nearly full to the brim, and our good friends from Nebraska and western Kansas arrived safe and sound today. 
  God's blessing to you all