Historical preservation matters!
The history of Geneseo is especially important
Photo courtesy of Co-News Editor Brooke Klugewicz
President Trump’s recent White House construction project has sparked conversations on the importance of historic preservation across the country. As reported by USA Today, the East Wing was torn down, making room for a ballroom estimated to cost $300 billion. Many feel as though the demolition takes away from the historical importance of the building, as, according to CNN, the East Wing has typically been the First Lady’s wing. Others acknowledge that every president has made renovations to the building and argue that this is no different.
The removal of crucial historical architecture is damaging to America’s foundation. When history is damaged or pushed out of sight, the importance of those landmarks and their stories is diminished. Geneseo, through the Association for the Preservation of Geneseo (APOG), still works toward its own historical preservation by restoring places like the Emmeline Wadsworth Memorial Fountain and the Big Tree Inn. When restoration projects are done, the focus is on why preserving specific things are important.
Historical architecture is also more colorful and unique than modern architecture. It is incredibly disappointing when antique houses are renovated into boring, uniform houses for the sake of “keeping with the times.” Older buildings usually hold more character and presence than modern ones, because people cared more about incorporating personal charm rather than adhering to the masses when building homes.
Consumerism is on the rise, and with it the constant altering of things just because you can. In a world where everyone feels the need to constantly buy, the originality of buildings like homes is diminishing. Many older stores and restaurants have gone out of business because they are not “aesthetically pleasing” enough. People desire to constantly be trying new things and changing things about themselves, which causes many old-fashioned ideals to go extinct. For example, many old school dining establishments such as Friendly’s and Red Barn have gone through significant declines and comebacks due to a changing customer market and rising costs.
Geneseo is characterized by its history, especially on Main Street, which has many shops modeled to look more old-fashioned. Many of SUNY Geneseo’s students chose the campus in part for its historical aesthetic, and many say that being on a campus that incorporates historical architecture, nature, and academics is very beneficial for the mind. Buildings such as Welles Hall, originally built in 1932 as a school building for the town, demonstrate that dedication to historical preservation. Currently, the original blackboards are still present and it is now the home of various academic departments.
Geneseo is a Historic Landmark; Visit Geneseo says, “In 1991 the entire Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, one of only twenty communities in the country. Even today there are only 24 Historic Districts that have been so honored.” Due to this status, historical preservation is even more necessary. With so few National Historic Landmark Districts, it proves essential to engage in restoration efforts.
When history is erased or ruined, its value is depleted or obscured. In today's political climate, there are many conversations on what should or should not be taught, which is inherently why historical preservation matters; you have to be aware of history to ensure you do not repeat it. Suggesting that certain events are not taught creates an allowance for the concealment of history. For example, there has been much discussion among educators on the fact that Native American history is not actively present in textbooks. Because of this, there is a general lack of awareness about the discrimination the Natives have faced because of the US government, such as the limiting of tribal governing power, jurisdiction issues, and difficulty obtaining access to running water. Furthermore, the way US history books are written leads students to believe that Native Americans no longer exist.
Historical conservation is increasingly important to accurately represent history, especially with so many in power trying to rewrite it, and it is something we all must pay greater attention to, both here in Geneseo and beyond.