Old and New

            When I was a kid in the 60s, it seemed that there was a great enthusiasm for getting rid of old buildings and building new ones.  Some of those old buildings were surely beyond repair, but many had a lot of character (which may be like a blind date with a “good personality”), and history.

            A lot of the structures that were built in the 60s have a lot less character, and some have been torn down and replaced. 

            Starting in the 70s, the trend moved towards respect for historic structures.  Some were kept as is, others were gutted and reimagined as grand spaces with the old beams exposed.

            Turn of the century schools were replaced, but some were converted to apartments or office buildings.

            I wonder what changed?  Why did the old suddenly become valuable?  Was it nostalgia for a simpler time, or respect for the quality and durability of the buildings from earlier times?

            Our house is very old, as are many around the area.  Over the years we have stripped off some “improvements” that were made and found some character beneath.  Some of that character translates into dust and cold air leaking in, but I have to admit that it feels kind of cool to be the newest part of the history of our old house.

            Sure, it costs money to keep it up, and maybe it isn’t economically wise, but I guess we’re counting on someone else, years from now, who also appreciates that history.

            As I get older, I am hopeful that older people, complete with our history, again become interesting to younger people.  The years of multiple generations living under one roof are mostly over.  However, just as old buildings can be a pain, but worth it because of their interesting character, maybe people like… well, maybe I can be worth the pain that I am because of my history and character.

            Sure, older people have upkeep issues, but we don’t need new roofs or windows, though the plumbing may need some attention.

            What we do have, though, is the experience of having made many, many mistakes that younger people need not repeat if they are open to our counsel.

            There is certainly a place for history in our lives, and everything we do – young or old – is making more history.  Let’s make it memorable!