If only walls could talk, think of the stories they would have to tell. This was the thought running through my head as I drove by the old Ellsworth Junior High as its demolition began on Monday.

I’m a sucker for old buildings. While I realize that this building had to come down as it was far too gone to save, it still makes me sad. I think of how it could have been made into something beautiful, had the dinner theatre idea only worked out when the school district sold it years ago. Instead, it was left to rot by its new owners, with mold and vermin taking their places among the echoes of the past. Another chapter in the village’s history, reduced to photos in old newspapers and memories in past students’ minds.

I know the junior high demolition has caused controversy in the community and concern among its neighbors. I can understand. I’m also not a big fan of change, though I know it’s inevitable. But honestly, there was nothing that could’ve saved that building. In my opinion, it’s right that she’s coming down. I hope some pieces can be saved from its architecture for preservation. And hopefully something beautiful and useful, such as much needed housing, can be put in its place. Something that fits in with the neighborhood well.

Old buildings have always fascinated me. How I wish homes and schools could be built with the same attention to detail, glorious woodwork and unique characteristics of days gone by. Instead, new developments are rife with rows of tan, vinyl-sided homes that all look the same: Dull, boring boxes with tan carpet, tan walls, and sensible, plain walls. Ugh!

It’s always been my dream to live in a sturdy, four-square farmhouse with a large front porch, fireplaces and a built-in China hutch. Somehow, I ended up in a 70s ranch, which luckily has two fireplaces (one brick and one stone) and a beautiful sunroom with a wood-lined ceiling. I also grew up in a boxy, boring ranch house and swore I’d never end up in one. But I will just shut up and be grateful. Maybe I’ll one day retire to my dream old house.

I was so fascinated with old houses that when I was in my 20s, I developed a naughty habit of “touring” abandoned farmhouses in the area. I would never do it now, but I figured it was harmless. I wasn’t there to vandalize or steal anything. I was just genuinely interested in seeing the old homes and imagining their former glory. Yes, it was trespassing and naughty of me. But it was fascinating nonetheless. Except the one time my car wouldn’t start at one of those old houses and my friend swore it was because the house’s ghosts were unhappy we were there. Luckily it started after 20 minutes; I never had trouble with it starting again. It was indeed odd, especially since it was a warm summer’s evening.

I also love when old buildings can be repurposed into something new. I realize this takes time and money, so thank you to everyone who has invested in preserving one of our historic treasures. Take Molly’s On Main in Plum City, for example. I find it amazing that it housed a hospital at one time; my grandpa, my uncles and my mother were born there! That’s funny to think about when we’re inside dining on a fish fry.

I would love to hear readers’ stories about buildings that now house something new, or are no longer standing. Please email me at sarah@piercecountyjournal.news or give me a call at 715-273-8078.