Historical Landmark Destroyed by Fire

Historical Landmark Destroyed by Fire

Photo: Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast

Marla Jones, Managing Editor

marla@southerntorch.com

MENTONE, Ala.-- Just days before the newly renovated Hitching Post was set to welcome tenants, flames engulfed the building, bringing it to the ground within 30 minutes. 

Calls came pouring in around 10 p.m. that the building, located on the corner of Alabama Highway 117 and DeSoto Parkway, had flames coming out the front door of the building. 

Several fire departments from across DeKalb County came, including Valley Head, Hammondville,  Henagar, Rainsville, Collinsville, and Fort Payne, to help the Mentone Fire Department prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings.

 “When our crews responded to the call, the fire appeared to have started in the area of The Gourdie Shop” stated Mentone Fire Chief Joesph Lee. “With the help of the other departments, we had the fire under control, meaning we did not have to worry about it spreading, within two hours”.

“We are in plans to meet with the Fire Marshall this week, to investigate the cause of the fire” continued Chief Lee. 

As the call went out for help, Fort Payne Fire Department quickly responded. 

“On Thursday, February 2, at 10 p.m., the Fort Payne Fire Department was requested to assist with a structure fire on Highway 117 in Mentone. We responded with ten firefighters and one pumper” stated Fort Payne Fire Chief Stacy Smith. “Upon arrival on the scene, the structure known as the Hitching Post was found to be fully involved.  Fort Payne personnel assisted with extinguishing the fire, and remained on the scene for several hours”. 

Rainsville Fire/Rescue Department was also one of the departments that sent a tanker and crew to assist in the fire. 

“Rainsville Fire/Rescue was requested to respond to Mentone to assist with a structure fire.  Rainsville responded with a tanker and four personnel” stated Rainsville Fire Chief Williemac Wright. 

“The use of the Automatic/Manual Aid across DeKalb County has been a huge asset to every department in the county. The water supply in some of the rural areas is not sustainable to work a big fire. Departments in DeKalb County have worked together for several years now to effectively utilize tankers from surrounding areas to maintain water supply in these situations” concluded Chief Wright. 

Jerry Clifton, brought the Hitching Post last summer. His plan was to return the historic building back to its former glory. 

“I am heartbroken for the people of Mentone over the loss of the Hitching Post. When I bought it over a year ago, I had a vision of what it could be” stated Clifton. “My friends Stephen V. Smith and Michelle Worley Smith helped cultivate what was in my mind. There was a great team waiting to start making The Hitching Post, the gathering place I knew it could be” continued Clifton. 

“People were working around at the site, crying, over the loss of such a historical building”   stated Clifton. “I want to thank the City of Mentone and all the area Fire Departments that were there till early morning, they are tremendous first responders” concluded Clifton. 

Stores with books, gifts, and apparel were set to open, to serve the thousands who visit the scenic area. The multipurpose building would also have included a place for entertainment and a coffee shop. 

Clifton stated that he was waiting until the meeting with the fire marshall, to begin the cleanup process, and before deciding what the next step would be.

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