By John Payne
CLAYTON – Firefighters were out their doors early, Saturday – on their way to set a fire.
The old house, located near the corner of Robertson and Main Street, had burned about 8 years ago and what remained was a perfect training opportunity for Clayton firefighters. Teams took turns entering the burning building, honing skills which are normally only practiced in emergency situations. Garner firefighters provided a tanker full of water to complete the “live burn” scenario.
The track-side house behind T.R. Lee’s Service Station had once been home to folks who may have rocked on their front porch as trains rolled past. It was surrounded by a large yard filled with old Oak trees.
On its last day, unwanted family photos lay scattered on floor, reminders of those who had once called the nicely built wood framed house, “home.”
So, the smoke which rolled over downtown Clayton Saturday morning was a reminder that changes are happening, things and people are passing away. Another old home with the people who had occupied it are now nothing but memories.
Could this artical have sounded any sadder?