Welcome to the people’s house of shards. Living everyday like Groundhog Day, Donald Trump’s smashing machine instincts are nothing new.
Why else would anyone gut the East Wing of the White House? Alas, this broken man is stuck in a 79-year-old rut. Boring!
Like most Americans, I appreciate historic preservation. In fact, 10 years ago, I lived in an old law office that had been converted into two rental housing units. The developer of the project understood what they were getting into, given the property’s location within Dedham Village Historic District.
This area includes the Norfolk County Courthouse, famous for the Sacco and Vanzetti trial of 1921. A great neighborhood all around, this would not be true if historic preservation were simply ignored.
Fast forward to now: I share your horror watching the rapacious destruction of the East Wing last week. No amount of self-care can mitigate the sense of loss we feel.
I thought about this a lot when I was home in the Berkshires last week. Of all places, the restroom at Bagel & Brew in Lenox reminded me of the importance of architectural drawings. Why? Because this design hangs inside:
I reflected on historic preservation again when I drove through the center of Lee and marveled at the work taking place on the site of an old paper mill. Indeed, the Eagle Mill Redevelopment Project incorporates key tenets of historic preservation.
These include protecting, conserving, and restoring places of historical significance, which the East Wing represented. Hollowing it out for an oversized ballroom checks none of these boxes.
On the other hand, the Eagle Mill aims to increase affordable housing, stimulate the local economy, and maintain the neighborhood’s character. Its progress is always of interest when I return to Lee, which benefits from thoughtful planning.
I wish I could say the same for the current White House.
If you do like history, though, you are still in luck. Brooke Allen and David Nasaw will join each other in conversation at the Stockbridge Library this Saturday, November 1, at 3 p.m. Allen has a new collection of essays with a title that evokes architecture:
Meanwhile, Nasaw’s latest was prominently featured in The New York Times earlier this month. His account of the lasting aftereffects of World War II on American fighters is timely. Not only is Veterans Day right around the corner, but the ongoing government shutdown provides a unique lens for what will no doubt be a riveting discussion.
If only the commander in chief were a reader or a veteran—or showed an ounce of interest in governing.
In any case, the Stockbridge Library is such a jewel, and I encourage all readers to join Allen and Nasaw there this Saturday. Both are living history and deep thinkers.
Finally, I want to thank readers for being in touch recently. Always nice to know one’s words matter in ways that might not be evident but are no less meaningful.
I appreciate your time and look forward to civilized comments.
