The top photo is from 1893. It is New Albany's old Post Office at the corner of Spring and Pearl.The next photo, undated but from the late 1950's or very early 60's, shows the same building (near the center), with the former courthouse in front. The newer structure now housing La Rosita's can be seen clearly, as well as St. Mark's further east on Spring. Today, the lot where the Courthouse stood is occupied by Main Source Bank.
The last photo, taken by Gary Humphrey (River City Winery), is of recent damage done by feral skateboarders to the neglected stage on the neglected lot at the neglected corner where the Post Office once stood, until it was torn down by a previous generation of New Albany "leadership," for whom show trials remain a preferred option if any of them persist in living.
I don't excuse the destructive behavior of unsupervised adolescents, but I can't help thinking that a physical space like this is the equivalent of a broken window, in the sense that perpetual dilapidation merely encourages further vandalism.
One final thought: Check out the traffic in the middle photo. Cars are moving both ways, aren't they?
Remember when the current administration promised two-way traffic restoration downtown?
You don't see it, do you? In my book, that's a promise not kept.
(The first two photos are from the NA-FC Public Library's Indiana Room, and its marvelous Historical Image Archive)
Oh, but Spring Street Hill has been reopened. As a highway. Two or three times. In just the past couple of years.
ReplyDeleteYa'd think it would be simple enough to simply tear the old stage down or move it, if they want to keep it for whatever reason. I agree wholeheartedly that neglected areas like this are going to cause nothing but trouble. I blame the person who got robbed for thier misfortune as much as, if not more, than the thief who took advantage of an unlocked door. :)
ReplyDeleteUmmm--exactly what "damage" to the stage are you referring to, Roger? All I see is some debris.
ReplyDeleteNice looking building. But, wouldn't it be the feds, rather than city officials, who decide the disposition of a post office?
ReplyDeleteThe Feds built a new post office three blocks away in stunning LBJ Deco. What I believe happened next is that a local bank bought it and tore it down to be the parking lot for the courthouse it bought and tore down just next door. Good question!
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