Historical Wister business destroyed by fire

February 12, 2013

The oldest building in Wister was destroyed by fire Sunday evening.

The oldest buiding in Wister was destroyed by fire Sunday evening.
Arlene's Collectibles, owned by Hardy and Arlene Coston, was built in 1903, holding the title of oldest building in Wister, according to Traci Barnes, the Coston's daughter. The building housed vintage and antique items for not only the Coston's but for 23 vendors.
The fire began at approximately 5 p.m. and smoke could be seen from surrounding communities such as Summerfield and Poteau. The Wister and Poteau fire departments responded, but were unable to save the historic building. Less than an hour after the fire began, all that remained of the building was the foundation and and burning debris.