It is with a heavy heart that I bring this news. Three days ago (before publication date), someone burned down the Mason County Courthouse. Luckily, nobody was hurt because it was after normal hours, and personnel had been working out of other buildings during ongoing renovation work. The suspect is in custody, and the county has already expressed a will to rebuild.
It feels strange to see an old friend gone. You read about this courthouse or that courthouse succumbing to some natural disaster or similar on plaques, but knowing it happened in your lifetime is a different feeling. Heck, in the day and age in which we live, we watch history happening in real time. Consequently, there are photos and recorded footage of the building on fire. I can’t lie: as sad as it is, the photos are stunning to see and reflect on. A hundred and eleven years gone in a night, beautiful and terrible. Over the next few days, I’m going to see if there is something I can do to help. I don’t feel there is much I can do, and I’m certainly not beholden to do so, but I’m sure any little bit can help and the county would no doubt be grateful.
Hi atreides…I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while but I’m not much of a commenter. I wanted to let you know that I was very touched by this post. I found a Gofundme fundraiser for the rebuilding and made a donation, basically in your honor. Small towns and rural counties have enough challenges without having to deal with arson.
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Thank you! I made a donation myself, but this is the nicest thing I think anyone has ever told me. And I don’t doubt Mason County would thank you, too!
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