At one of my first meetings after being appointed by Mayor Thompson to the Historic Preservation Commission in 2014 I had to ask, “what exactly is historic preservation?” Traditionally, the focus and mission is to champion the protection of historic buildings, neighborhoods, architecture and landmarks but historic preservation is more than saving old buildings!
Preserving our past by keeping and using old buildings and places is beneficial in so many ways to the people who call Nappanee home today. The historic aesthetic of Nappanee reflects the old fashioned charm and simple integrity that characterizes our community. These old places are not just beautiful, they tell our of our economic, cultural, educational and inspirational legacies - which quite literally makes us who we are. The deeper I delve into our local history the more connected I become with the people who walked these streets before us. I find myself craning my neck to get a better look at a house that I have drove by thousands of times but have just learned the significance of its past. I have found the historical facts come alive when I am able to link them with physical places or artifacts. Having those reminders of our past inspires a sense of continuity, identity and belonging.
Some have a hard time with the cost of preservation. Many studies show the positive impact of historic preservation on the economy. The national trust website shares 12 areas of economic benefit that have been documented. Property value, environmental impact, downtown revitalization, heritage tourism and social impact are all included. It is silly to think that any study could show the full value of utilizing and preserving these old places and our history. That would be like Randall Mason said “calculating the incalculable, or pricing the priceless.”1
Preserving our past by keeping and using old buildings and places is beneficial in so many ways to the people who call Nappanee home today. The historic aesthetic of Nappanee reflects the old fashioned charm and simple integrity that characterizes our community. These old places are not just beautiful, they tell our of our economic, cultural, educational and inspirational legacies - which quite literally makes us who we are. The deeper I delve into our local history the more connected I become with the people who walked these streets before us. I find myself craning my neck to get a better look at a house that I have drove by thousands of times but have just learned the significance of its past. I have found the historical facts come alive when I am able to link them with physical places or artifacts. Having those reminders of our past inspires a sense of continuity, identity and belonging.
Some have a hard time with the cost of preservation. Many studies show the positive impact of historic preservation on the economy. The national trust website shares 12 areas of economic benefit that have been documented. Property value, environmental impact, downtown revitalization, heritage tourism and social impact are all included. It is silly to think that any study could show the full value of utilizing and preserving these old places and our history. That would be like Randall Mason said “calculating the incalculable, or pricing the priceless.”1
My hope is that you will take the time to recognize the past, the next time you drive through town on U.S. 6, walk through the historic neighborhoods or as you shop downtown that you will take the time to look at Nappanee’s skyline. Take a moment to hunt for the pieces of history that remain in plain view. I also hope that you will take another moment to wonder; to contemplate those that built, shopped, worked and lived here in the past.
In the first year of my service on our town’s commission I have come to believe that historic preservation should not be defined and/or confined by bureaucratic perceptions or economics rather we should look at historic preservation as an ethic – a belief that history plays an important role in our lives today and in our communities sustainability for tomorrow. A community that respects its history respects itself.
1.Mason, Randall. “Economics and Historic Preservation: A Guide and Review of the Literature.” (The Brookings Institution, 2005).
1.Mason, Randall. “Economics and Historic Preservation: A Guide and Review of the Literature.” (The Brookings Institution, 2005).