Maydelle, Texas boasts several things.  We are home of the ‘Famous Texas State Railroad Turntable’, Fairchild State Forest and we have a general store, a post office, a volunteer fire department a barber shop and no less than 3 churches.  We also had Bertha’s, until about 18 hours ago.  Bertha’s was not only a Maydelle staple and landmark, it was the only eatin’ joint for at least 10 miles in any given direction.  Sadly, it is no more.

Bertha’s done burned and everyone who lives in Maydelle WAS in Maydelle.

I had to wait for a load of cows to creep by before going on to the Trading Post to park, get a better look as well as the scoop.

Thank God for Fire Departments and Firemen, otherwise it could have easily spread.

I finally got to the Trading Post and found out quickly (if you want to find out anything quickly in Maydelle, this is the place to do it), I found out quickly it was a grease fire and no one was hurt.

I walked over to have a better look along with the rest of the population…..

The building was very old and all wood so when it went, it went.

This is the biggest event that has happened since I’ve lived here.  And while Bertha’s will not be missed for its 5 star menu or fine linens it will be missed for its friendliness and familiarity.  A gathering place for all and a welcome stop, there will be a hole on the side of Highway 84 that can not be replaced.

There will never be another ‘Big Bertha Breakfast’.

Farewell Bertha’s, we will miss your wavy wooden floors, your simple menu and your place here in our community.