In a message dated 10/6/98 11:53:23 AM, [log in to unmask] wrote:

<<(Oops, too cynical, too shrill.)>>

I don't think so.  In fact I pretty much agree with your general position.
Buildings are more likely to be preserved, as museums, or in some other form,
when people care about them.  Its hard to connect people to buildings that no
longer make connections to the local people.  But if not the museum, where
will you preserve the knowledge of how to work wood, stone or metal with hands
and hand tools, fire and water?  Only the museum has the obligation to
preserve the ancient craft, no matter the cost.  I don't think that makes
museums elitist, but it sure might make me an elitist if I did it in my
home....oops, the trades that built my home are pretty readily availble at a
pretty reasonalbe cost...hmmm.