There’s a major relaxing crisis developing in Weatherford!
According to KOKH Fox 25’s David Chasanov, the town’s folk—or at least one man simply known as “Robby”—are on the verge of revolution after the city destroyed a charming and “historic” gazebo that was built way, way back in the… 1990s.
Via KOKH:
Some Weatherford residents say they feel blindsided by city leaders after crews tore down a decades-old gazebo.
The downtown structure hosted many local events, and it's home to historical bricks that honor community members. Mayor Mike Brown tells Fox 25 the bricks and time capsule aren’t going anywhere.
Robby, a Weatherford resident, says he had no idea the gazebo was going to be torn down.
"I just didn’t understand why, just out of nowhere, tear down this gazebo," Robby said. "Yes, I saw the caution tape that was around the gazebo. I thought that they were going to go in, and do some maintenance work on it. Then all of the sudden, a decision was made."
As a sucker for sentimental nostalgia, I can see where Robby is coming from on this. Hell, I still haven’t gotten over the Arby’s on NW 39th removing their old cowboy hat sign back in 2018. It sucks to lose something you loved as a kid!
That being said, I’d like to remind Robby that it’s only a gazebo – a quaint, picturesque pleasure dome with a couple of benches and a roof, whereupon gentlefolk may convene for refined discourse and tranquil conversation. It’s not like it dished out “FIVE ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES” for only $5.55!
Seriously, what’s the big deal? Why so much outrage? Is this where Robby touched his first boob or something?
He says city leaders took down more than just a gazebo.
"It's a centennial spot. A lot of people back in the mid-90s bought into the Centennial Park. They paid for a brick."
Well, I guess we know why so many Weatherford residents hit up Bricktown whenever they come to “the city” for bachelor and bachelorette parties! They love bricks… probably a bit too much.
Channel 15 caught up with Weatherford Mayor Mike Brown—an admitted fan of pergolas—to get his side of the story.
After apparently popping three Adderall tablets and snorting a line of cocaine, he had this to say:
Yep, let this be a lesson to all sentimental history buffs and hoarders who have problems letting go of their outdoor furniture—be an actively engaged citizen and pay attention to city council meeting minutes!
You just never know when some villainous mayor is going to come along and destroy a town’s beloved 30-year-old gazebo!
Anyway, in place of the gazebo, the city is building a giant statue of an astronaut that, I assume, will honor Thomas Stafford—the late, great Weatherford native who flew on various Apollo and Gemini missions and—fun fact—was babysat a few times by my grandparents in the 1930s.
Here’s a rendering:
Once again, I know all the astronaut statues in the world can’t bring back the wooden bench of memories that Robby holds so dear, but that’s a lot cooler than a gazebo! It’s an incredible monument to human achievement, scientific discovery, and the raw ambition to leave this planet behind, while the gazebo is, well, a gazebo.
I’d encourage Robby to embrace and accept this new era of Weatherford history, make new memories, and even buy a commemorative brick to support it.
Stay with The Lost Ogle. We’ll keep you advised.
