On Sept. 5 students, neighbors, and firefighters in training alike gathered to watch Keiser House slowly burn to the ground. Keiser was burned intentionally as part of North Carolina’s ‘live burn training’ certification program for volunteer firefighters. While Keiser was technically off-campus, its legacy was “Guilfordian.” Over the years, everyone from professors to Quaker students to rugby players have resided in what is now a pile of ash and rubble.

During its final years, Keiser was Guilford’s unofficial fraternity house. Then, Keiser happenings were wild and crazy. Today, many upperclassmen who partied at Keiser before it was vacated two years ago recognize how they’ve grown since spending their weekends as first-years and sophomores at Keiser.

“I’m not the person I used to be when I hung out at Keiser,” said senior Ada Stephens. “I had good times there but I won’t miss it – it doesn’t have any sentimental value to me.”

Stephens continued that while she won’t personally miss Keiser, its close location enabled students, many of whom were inebriated in some way, to walk to and from the house without having to worry about driving.

But for other upperclassman, Keiser was their special party sanctuary, and they already miss it.

“I spent a lot of time at Keiser during my freshman and sophomore year,” said senior Markus Brunson. “It’s definitely a part of my history at this school and I’m going to miss it.”

Despite some students’ nostalgia for their hazy nights at Keiser (and its safe and practical location), the house will not be missed by everyone.

“I’m so glad it’s gone, I’d be happy to dance on top of its ashes,” said Sean Urqhart, a senior and former Keiser resident. “It was dirty and messy and out-of-control. Living there was hell.”

Even though Keiser House is now gone, its legacy will continue to live on as students pass on their stories to newer generations of Guilford students.