One Man Committee Announces He is Ending it All
Well,
Walter Krawec wasn't that drmatic but he has said that he has decided to lower the curtain on a city blog that was thoughtful and always interesting to read.
I will miss his deep interest in the city around him and the enthusiasm he showed for the subject.
He is correct that there are a number of continuing bloggers and newer entrants every year. Still, it is hard to lose a distinctive voice.
I want more city writers not less as a rule.
My perfect world has writers covering every subject from neighbourhoods to civic-wide issues. I want to hear about that tiny little restaurant up in that neck of the wood. I want to know the history of that building. I want to listen to frustration with politicians, businessment or old man Hubert who has the one eyed dog named Max.
It is funny how fast a knowledge is lost if someone isn't recording it. Think of your own neighbourhood. Is there a school that was once there that is no longer?
Sir John Franklin elementary school is now a dog park. I was wondering what year it was knocked down and can't remember. Aside from yearbook pictures, I am wondering if there are pictures of it being built, dedicated, used and then destroyed.
I need that history. I want it.
Dumb as it sounds, I sometimes mention changes in places we are all familiar with because I know I will have a time recalling them as the years pass. I have no shame mentioning
Swiss Chalet being built in the city after 15 years absence. It is the single most sought out information on my blog. Ten years from now, I won't have a clue what the history of a particular area was without my notes. It is so easy to let a name slip away from use and fade altogether.
OMC helped reflect the time, the discussion and will add to the colour of the city of Winnipeg. I hope he continues to be part of the conversation in whatever capacity he can. Thanks for being you.
7 comments:
"The strongest memory is weaker than the palest ink."
Or website-platform.
One man can only do so much.
John Franklin School built in 1921-22, closed in June 1989 due to declining enrollment - it was down to 56 students. Demolished in 1991. Image: http://www.centralcorydoncc.com/uploads/6/6/7/1/6671624/5626044.jpg?511
I, too, will miss OMC. We don't have a whole lot of public discourse in this city about design, urban planning, new developments - everything comes a pale second to crime and garage fires. His commentary will be missed.
Guys: Yes, it hard for one guy to do it all. Hope we don't lose those who take the time to write.
heh MrC. Thanks. I figured you would know. I was just casting about for an item that I sometimes think about and hadn't researched. It would have come down when I lived in Japan.
And yes, I love the talk on city stuff.
I'm a little late in the game here, but I wanted to thank you for your kind words, John. I'm happy that I was able to contribute in some small way to the insight and analysis generated by this city's bloggers.
Thanks, OMC! Hope you are doing well!
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