In a message dated 4/30/98 7:04:39 PM EST, [log in to unmask] writes:

> I know how all we historic preservationists feel about the likes of
>  Williamsburg, or Greenfield Village, or, God knows, Disney World.  But
going
>  in to those buildings in Greenfield Village really piqued my interest in
>  architecture.  In old buildings.

OK, I have emerged from my 45-minute nutshell presentation of the motivations
behind almost 200 years of American preservation efforts (no comments, please,
I know . . .) and would like to get back to the question:  "Why Preserve?"

In exploring a national perspective on the motives behind preservation, I
found I couldn't ignore the more personal views, especially as they translate
to a world view, and to action. Anne brings her perspective on what got her
into this in the first place, and I know many members of the list who are in
the crafts have talked about their background and love of materials.

But what else is there?  Genetics?  A mother who did all the repairs around
the house? Living in an old house? A father who insisted on touring historic
sites on the weekends? A mentor? An aversion to losing things?
Obstreperousness?  (I spelled checked it already.) An event? A belief in
"good" design, quality materials? Political correctness? A need for a "higher
purpose" in one's life? A penchant for social action? Or (dare I even suggest
it?) making a living (Gawd, Mary, give us a break -- money???).

My event: my town tore "my" old library down when I was a kid.  I loved being
there, and then it was gone.  It changed the way I felt about my town. And
maybe, just maybe, throw in a little Irishness that likes a good fight now and
then . . . ("Who said that?!!" -- or, as CG suggested: "Who faid that?!!")

I'd love to find out how other preservationeers got into all this in the first
place.

Mary Krugman