The images included in the Lost in the Midwest essay are intended to show "the cruel radiance of what is" rather then a postcard view of beauty. (click on image to enlarge)
Although I think there are some interesting findings here about the decay of business districts in Iowa's small towns, you're only painting half the picture. Some of your more flowery descriptions border on insulting to some of these fine communities. If you go up the street in either Gladbrook or Garwin you will find some really neat things, like brand new schools and great recreation areas. Though these towns aren't exactly thriving, they're also far from dead.
I'm sure your intention is good, and I can't fault your interest in it. It really is something fascinating to explore and learn from. At the same time, though, I want you to keep in mind the feelings of those that live in these towns, and those that still take pride in their community regardless of the state of their downtown.
Although I think there are some interesting findings here about the decay of business districts in Iowa's small towns, you're only painting half the picture. Some of your more flowery descriptions border on insulting to some of these fine communities. If you go up the street in either Gladbrook or Garwin you will find some really neat things, like brand new schools and great recreation areas. Though these towns aren't exactly thriving, they're also far from dead.
I'm sure your intention is good, and I can't fault your interest in it. It really is something fascinating to explore and learn from. At the same time, though, I want you to keep in mind the feelings of those that live in these towns, and those that still take pride in their community regardless of the state of their downtown.
nhelten- in no way do I intend to insult this or any other community. I am certain the each and every location has it's fine folks and their "new schools and great recreation areas". I am interested in the demise of local business. Many of the structures that I have shown are fine examples of an early time when craft in downtown buildings was important. Todays's W-Mart/Best Buy/K-Mart show no such building details. Times have changed. While what is important to you and your community today may not be what is important to me. My task is to present today's downtown. In every photograph or written article their is always something beyond the photographic frame or off the page. No medium can show everything. Selection is up to the individual. I am myself- you are you. It is good that we have different points of view.
The images included in the Lost in the Midwest essay are intended to show "the cruel radiance of what is" rather then a postcard view of beauty. (click on image to enlarge)
3 comments:
Although I think there are some interesting findings here about the decay of business districts in Iowa's small towns, you're only painting half the picture. Some of your more flowery descriptions border on insulting to some of these fine communities. If you go up the street in either Gladbrook or Garwin you will find some really neat things, like brand new schools and great recreation areas. Though these towns aren't exactly thriving, they're also far from dead.
I'm sure your intention is good, and I can't fault your interest in it. It really is something fascinating to explore and learn from. At the same time, though, I want you to keep in mind the feelings of those that live in these towns, and those that still take pride in their community regardless of the state of their downtown.
BTW, this is Gladbrook,not Garwin.
Although I think there are some interesting findings here about the decay of business districts in Iowa's small towns, you're only painting half the picture. Some of your more flowery descriptions border on insulting to some of these fine communities. If you go up the street in either Gladbrook or Garwin you will find some really neat things, like brand new schools and great recreation areas. Though these towns aren't exactly thriving, they're also far from dead.
I'm sure your intention is good, and I can't fault your interest in it. It really is something fascinating to explore and learn from. At the same time, though, I want you to keep in mind the feelings of those that live in these towns, and those that still take pride in their community regardless of the state of their downtown.
BTW, this is Gladbrook, not Garwin.
nhelten- in no way do I intend to insult this or any other community. I am certain the each and every location has it's fine folks and their "new schools and great recreation areas". I am interested in the demise of local business. Many of the structures that I have shown are fine examples of an early time when craft in downtown buildings was important. Todays's W-Mart/Best Buy/K-Mart show no such building details. Times have changed. While what is important to you and your community today may not be what is important to me. My task is to present today's downtown. In every photograph or written article their is always something beyond the photographic frame or off the page. No medium can show everything. Selection is up to the individual. I am myself- you are you. It is good that we have different points of view.
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