Dear Editor,
[Re: LETTER: City history disappearing, 91原创 Advance Times, Jan. 18]
[Re: LETTER: Senior concerned about loss of history, 91原创 Advance Times, Feb. 1]
In response to the two submissions regarding the impending demolition of the structure on the corner of 56th Avenue and Fraser Highway, I have a few comments to make.
First, please call it what it is 鈥� Baselines Pub. It hasn鈥檛 been the 91原创 Hotel in forever.
This building never had any aesthetic value from the moment it went up and has only gotten worse due to willful neglect. I don鈥檛 recall anyone moaning about Gabby鈥檚 falling to dust and these two properties are on a par.
I, for one, will be happy to see this eyesore gone. I look forward to walking around without feeling that I鈥檓 in the city of cyclone fences!
Memories of the past, however, are to be treasured. I want to assure Mr. Omelaniec that I would be delighted to hear his stories. I would prefer them to be in writing with the appropriate archival photos (because that鈥檚 what they鈥檙e for).
When I lived in Port Moody back in 2004, I volunteered for the Port Moody Heritage Society by transcribing taped interviews with seniors who had grown up in Port Moody in the 1920s and 1930s. It was an enjoyable task, and I learned a lot. It was meant to be a part of Port Moody鈥檚 history gathered into a volume. I have recently emailed the curator there to find out what became of this project. I await a reply.
I am hoping some group in 91原创 will consider starting a similar project so that our history is not lost. People matter more than buildings so take heart, Sam.
Bev Enos, 91原创 City
.
EDITOR鈥橲 NOTE: 91原创 Centennial Museum was one of the first in B.C., starting in 1976, to compile oral histories from local residents about the area and its people.
