The San Mateo County Times ran a great piece by one of their regular syndicated columnists, Marni Jameson, on Saturday.  The piece tells the saga of a 130-year-old house in her Florida town that was deemed historic by the local government–and then deemed not.  You should click through to read the whole story here, but I liked the five reasons for historic protection that she included at the end and that apply anywhere (the Times took one out in the print edition that doesn't apply here):

• Because tearing them down is wrecking our history. Countries rich in culture value history and buildings. "In Italy and France, you see 300-year-old buildings housing subways," she said. "They make them work, they don't tear them down."

• Because it's bad for our earth. Most of the wreckage will not be salvaged. All that glass and plaster goes into landfills.

• Because you can never replicate these houses once they're gone. The woodwork alone came from 200-year-old trees. These homes were built before electricity and were made by hand with handmade nails.

• Because we're losing our uniqueness. "There is something beautiful about traveling through America and seeing its distinct neighborhoods. Houses that get torn down and rebuilt erase that character."

• Because of their quality. "When you have a 100-year-old home made of timbers not particle board, it is solid. These homes have withstood decades of human life and natural disasters. But not city commissions and other self-interests.

Right on Marni!  Come visit B'game anytime.