Memphians let history slip through our fingers

To destroy what came before leaves little knowledge for learning who we were, how we lived and why we change. So I appreciated your July 2 letters about the Nineteenth Century Club and its imminent destruction.

I agree with both of those who spoke in defense of the building; they offer sound reasons as to why it should not be demolished.

Recently, I was in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and had the pleasant experience of staying at a bed-and-breakfast in one of the many 18th century houses of architectural merit. The town reflects a period that tells two things: the architectural style of the period and those who lived there, as well as the respect shown to history with the desire not to abandon what evolved in making the place unique. It is not unlike what many cities in the country have done by creating sustained history in three dimensions. Memphis had much similar to what has been retained elsewhere, yet little is left to show the city’s evolution after the disaster of a yellow fever epidemic and its regeneration.

This is not to say that Memphis does not have extraordinary examples of contemporary architecture. It does. However, in many instances it was not necessary to tear down the buildings of the past that in themselves were splendid examples of another era — Cossitt Library, for example.

Perhaps it is too late to save this grand old house, but when it is gone and some fast-food restaurant or similar structure stands in its place, many of us will weep.