Long before alternative housing became a popular trend, Jo Ann Ussery turned a Boeing 727 into an extraordinary and luxurious home, a project that would capture the imagination of many. Her unconventional journey began in 1993, when she lost her house in Mississippi. As a widow with two children, Ussery faced a difficult and uncertain future. However, her air traffic controller brother-in-law suggested an innovative solution: buy a decommissioned Boeing 727 and turn it into a living space. The idea was unexpected, but it was one that would change her life forever.
Ussery purchased the 138-foot-long aircraft for a mere $2,000, a fraction of what a traditional home would have cost. With her vision in mind, she spent the next several years meticulously transforming the airplane into a cozy and fully functional home. She spent $30,000 on the renovation, a relatively modest amount for such an ambitious project, but the results were nothing short of spectacular.
She dubbed her new home “Little Trump,” and positioned the plane over a picturesque lake in Mississippi. The interior of the Boeing 727 was completely reimagined. What was once a sterile, functional space designed for air travel was transformed into a warm, welcoming three-bedroom house. Ussery added a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living room, a laundry area, and even a bathroom built inside the cockpit, which featured a luxurious soaking tub. The home was a blend of both comfort and creativity, featuring unexpected yet charming touches that made it unique.
Ussery lived in her extraordinary home from 1995 to 1999, during which time the Boeing 727 became something of a local attraction. After living there for several years, she decided to share the plane’s story and open it as a museum. The plane had become an iconic representation of unconventional housing and innovation, and Ussery hoped it would inspire others to think outside the box when it came to their living spaces.
However, fate dealt a harsh blow when, during the process of transporting the plane for its future museum opening, it tragically fell and was destroyed. The loss was devastating, but the story of “Little Trump” and Ussery’s incredible vision lives on, inspiring others to think creatively about how they live and what is possible in the world of alternative housing. Jo Ann Ussery’s unique journey remains a testament to the power of imagination and resilience, proving that sometimes, the most unusual ideas can lead to the most unforgettable stories.