Endangered Places - U.S. historical sites - Brief Article

Not too long ago, America's oldest surviving McDonald's was looking square in the eye of the wrecking ball. Built in 1953, this classic example of the original Golden Arches restaurant in Downey, California, was scheduled for demolition. But faced with broad public support for saving the structure, the McDonald's Corporation opted to restore it instead. Today it continues to serve as a restaurant and museum.

It's just one example of how public awareness can help to save our nation's historical treasures. Through heightened awareness, public opinion has helped to save many endangered places. Leading the charge is the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which each year publishes a list of historical sites nationwide that are in the greatest danger. The idea is to protect places like the oldest McDonald's by calling attention to them, and to generate funding for neglected places, too.

For example, the spotlight is now focused on New York State's Hudson River Valley, which the Trust calls "one of America's greatest treasures" for its unparalleled mix of scenery and history. Unfortunately, this delicate balance is "imperiled by a tidal wave of industrialization and sprawl," according to the Trust's annual report.

Nantucket is another newcomer to the list. In the words of the trust, "Nantucket sometimes seems frozen in time." But in fact, time may be running out for the very qualities that make this one of America's truly special places, according to the Trust, which says, "A current surge in development offers grim proof that economic good times can be bad times for preservation."

The Trust has identified two disturbing trends at work in Nantucket: The first is "teardowns," which demolish historic buildings and replace them with bigger ones that fail to respect the island's modest scale and cultural landscape. The second is the widespread practice of "gut rehabs," which rip out original interiors and "destroy cherished architectural traditions."

Also on the list of endangered places is Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania. You may think it odd that a national park is in danger; after all, it's protected park land. But here, according to the Trust, what couldn't de feat the Continental Army is taking its toll on buildings that are suffering from 200 years of harsh weather, resulting in water damage, mold, and failing roofs.

At the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument in Montana, "the integrity of the setting is threatened by proposed development,"' the Trust says--specifically, a casino. Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania is on the list, too, for rampant commercialism surrounding the battlefield.

However, there is good news to report on the preservation front. The list of America's Most Endangered Historic Places has made a large difference in the past 12 years. Altogether, the trust has identified more than 100 endangered places since 1988, and of these, only one has been "lost." Twenty-three have been officially saved and 52 have a "favorable" prognosis.

For example, the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia's Independence Park, now has a favorable outlook after teetering on the brink of decline. Thanks in part to the Trust, a public/private partnership has been established to build a new visitors center and reverse many years of inadequate funding and deferred maintenance.

A favorable status also is predicted for the workshops of two of America's greatest thinkers: Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin studio and Thomas Edison's New Jersey laboratories. Both were suffering from deterioration until the Trust helped secure governmental and corporate funding for repairs.

Elsewhere, the Harry S. Truman Historic District in Independence, Missouri, was revitalized when the Trust, the city, and a citizens' group all joined forces to protect the character of the neighborhood. Yet another victory was the battle for the U.S.S. Constellation, which now operates as a tourist attraction in Baltimore. America's only surviving Civil War-era vessel was saved after a $9-million restoration--a "great success" according to the Trust.

To get a copy of the entire list of America's Most Endangered Places, call the National Trust at (800) 315-NTHP. You can also review the latest additions to the list on the Trust's Web site at www.nationaltrust.org/11 most. New additions are announced every June. The Trust also accepts nominations for the list, so you can help to save your favorite endangered place. Sites must be of national or local significance.

COPYRIGHT 2001 World Publishing, Co. (Illinois)
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group