OLD TOWNS
How you ever felt that cities and town are like people in that they “age”? I don't, of course, mean they simple grow older – that's a part of living, but town and cities, like some people, do not mature with charm and grace and with an attitude which becomes an asset rather than an impairment.
I visited a city this past week where I was a frequent sojourner many years ago, and having not seen it in many years,I found it had changed in many ways. Such changes are evident everywhere, but there was unifying quality about such changes which excited me and made me think this town was more vital than I had come to suppose.
To begin with it is a secondary city, in that it happens to be connected to a larger city which has grown to it and all around its relatively small area. That is not a pleasant place for a town to be. One is sure to feel overwhelmed by colossus next door, and to play second fiddle in most affair of common concern.
We are experiencing that condition more or that sort of growth,too as cities grow to mammoth proportions compared to what used to be thought of as their own domain. It is not uncommon for one city to swallow up half a dozen small towns and villages, many of real character and individual worth on their own.
One distinction allowed the lesser portion is that it has not changed by simply spreading out. The changes have been internal. While the so-called “downtown” area has not been made into a model community by any means, it does appear to be more vibrant, functional and useful than does the center of the larger city.
In art terms it is called patina, I believe.
Works of art are often said to have gathered a patina or shadowy overlay which makes the entire item more worthy than ever because it has endured and served well. I see the larger city's community arena is now located within the the smaller, absorbed portion. So are the city's leading professional offices.You will come to realize that it is not at all impossible for the tail to start wagging the dog.
It will be interesting to follow the career of these conjoined communities. A few years from now, I dare say, it will be found that the actual governing leadership will come from the small town base within the larger city. The ultimate spoils do not always go to the so-called victors.
Watch it happening in your own locality where one city is growing to encompass others.
A.L.M. January 29, 2003 [c451wds]
