What happened to Johnson family's first house in everyday use?

In Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use," the Johnson family's first house was burned down. This event symbolizes the family's struggles and the harsh realities of their life, including poverty and loss. The destruction of the house also highlights the contrast between the characters' differing views on heritage and culture, particularly between Dee and her mother, Mama. The house's ruin serves as a backdrop for the themes of identity and the value of everyday objects within the family's history.