I was just watching BBC News-- They profiled my old home town for a piece on the failure of the economy.
It was surreal to see the old landmarks of Kansas City in this context.
I saw folks browsing around the Farmer's Market where I used to buy fruits each fall to make my favorite xmas gift-- brandied peaches and apricots.
Now, people were hunting for cheaper vegetables than they would find in the supermarkets.
And to see the boarded up homes in Mission and Lee's Summit-- upscale neighborhoods I used to know.
And Westport! Eight blocks from my old house, it was a major artistic community and my favorite part of town. Chock full of art boutiques, vintage clothing shops, restaurants, book shops, flea markets, antique shops-- each one unique.
BBC showed a quick montage but, I think I may have seen Birdlamp Company, The Copper Kettle, The Silver Cricket, World's Window, The Souper, Third Rock, White Light Books, Vulcan's Forge, and on and on-- and so many of them boarded up.
I couldn't help it. I just cried.
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I am sorry to hear that about your old home town two crows. I guess there will be many more stories of this all across this country because of the trickle down economics of Bush and the Republican party.
It seems that one would start from the bottom and make their way up, just like a baby crawling before they walk.
That is sad - really brings it home when you see places you know.
hi, Larry--
W-port was a thriving community -- a mix of homes and shops -- for as long as I can remember.
I lived there for almost my entire adult life-- over 40 years.
it is one of the oldest parts of KC -- begun during the 19th century, when it was a 1 block square town called Possum Trot.
a historic district that was well established before the Civil War, it was the last place where people could buy supplies before heading out to California in their covered wagons.
xxx
and one thing that astounded me was
that a British-based company would profile Westport -- or even know it existed.
that amazed me as much as what has happened to it in less than 1 1/2 years.
hi, mauigirl--
yeah.
w-port and the farmer's market were so dear to me -- and to see them falling apart this way is heartbreaking.
It's sad to say but once a town has started to fall apart, there's no way to bring it back to life.
I will goggle this story to find out much more about what actually happen.
I guess I'm concerned because my roots are with two very small towns that have almost gone to waste, not noticed by most America.
hi, Larry--
Kansas City will survive.
but, Westport was my old neighborhood and meant more to me than the city itself did.
and that was where KC actually began--
so sad--
hi again, Larry--
yes, it's so sad to see what's happening in the small towns.
many people may have to pack up and move to the cities just to survive.
I'm trusting Obama to help turn things around -- assuming the rethugs don't steal this election, too.
but, let's not kid ourselves. there will be limits on what he'll be able to do especially in the short run. even if he gets a congress that's on his side.
it may be too late for a lot of the small towns.
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