FROM THE

BY SARAH NIGBOR

Fascinated with old buildings

I’ve always been drawn to old, historic buildings. Every time I hear one is going to be torn down, I’m sad. If I had an unlimited bank account, I’d save every historic building I could. Just think of the life that has passed through their walls, the history they have witnessed, not to mention the beautiful craftsmanship that is so rare these days. The hardwood floors, the detailed brick work, the delicate moldings and intricate designs that are in some buildings. I could go on and on. They’re so much more inviting and beautiful than the boring, utilitarian tan boxes with vinyl siding built in abundance these days.

I know logically sometimes it’s the best choice financially, to build a new building rather than restore the old. For example, the Spring Valley Elementary School building that is set for demolition beginning Aug. 2. I know the school board weighed its options carefully when deciding on referendum questions regarding the building’s future. I know the district needs and will benefit from a new elementary school. I know the community struggled with deciding what to do: Build new or restore the old. But part of me is still incredibly sad to see the building go.

I myself did not attend school there, but my grandma, Thelma Larson Lundgren did. She lived with her family just outside of town on a farm off County Road I. I remember her telling me stories about the school, and how scared she was the first time she went to that big school. She always remembered the beautiful marble floors and how grand it looked.

Whenever I can, I try to weave historical facts and details into our stories, not only to add context, but to inform people of buildings’ histories. It’s fun to know what something used to be, how it was repurposed, or what stood there before.

I am incredibly grateful to the volunteers at the Pierce County Historical Association, especially Julie Huebel, for putting up with my endless questions on Pierce County history. I reach out to them frequently; their knowledge, time and dedication are invaluable. Thank you for all you do in helping to preserve our heritage!

I reached out to Julie and Jayne Hoffman of the River Falls Historic Preservation Commission when I learned the Judge McEwen/Linehan house is going to be torn down on South Main in River Falls, to make way for a senior living facility. I know the facility will be a wonderful addition to the community, but I just shudder to think of that house being torn down. It was once so grand; I always loved driving by its wide front porch and carriage house. I wish there was a way it could be saved or incorporated into the new design. Because once something is torn down, it can never be replaced.

When I was in high school and college, I’ll admit I used to have an illegal hobby. My friends and I would go into old abandoned houses in the country and look around. We never vandalized anything, broke into any building or did any damage. We didn’t party or hang out there long. We simply enjoyed looking at the old houses and wondering why the families left them. Now that I’m older and wiser, I realize we shouldn’t have been trespassing. We should have asked permission, if we could even find out who owned the houses. One house in particular will always stick in my mind. It’s no longer standing, but it was east of Ellsworth near Waverly off Highway 72. There was a bit of furniture left in the house, with dishes on the table. There was bedding on the beds and a fur coat hanging in the closet, like it was waiting for its owner to return and reclaim it. I always wanted to know why the family had left, and left some belongings too.

Instead of traipsing through abandoned houses, you can help preserve our local history in other ways. Check out the Pierce County Historical Association. It’s is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that began in 1941. Their mission is to preserve Pierce County’s heritage by promoting the study, appreciation and interpretation of the county’s history and related local and regional histories.

To learn more about the Pierce County Historical Association and the work they do, visit piercecountyhistorical.org