In a controlled burn last night the House of Brides, a local feature for as long as I can remember, was taken down in spectacular fashion. I was among the dozens of spectators who observed from a distance, mostly because I wanted to demonstrate to my little boys how fire can consume a house and give a little fire-safety pep talk.

It wasn’t just that, however. I lived south of Mandan for many years and remember this home well. In fact, it’s just east and downhill from Greenwood Cemetery, one of Mandan’s better kept secrets. I think the property has sat unoccupied for quite some time, and it met its demise last night. The brick silo is still intact at this time, the property’s most attractive feature.

Thanks to my friend Tad for the close-up photos. I, of course, didn’t have a camera with me. I always see things like this when I leave the cameras at home…you’d think I would have learned my lesson by now!