The Everett Herald Sunday Opinion piece made an unusual plea in support of preserving its historic places: “Preserving A City’s History” Published: Sunday, November 18, 2012, IN OUR VIEW: Everett’s downtown heritage
We who have a passionate interest in preserving our historic places are very appreciative of this editorial.  We are perhaps often too complacent about the economic arguments for the cost effectiveness of replacing historic buildings.  We are forced to honor still useful buildings by replacing them with “”It Stood Here Once” plaques” as the editorial says. Indeed, a recent positive preserva
tion example by the City of Stanwood suggests an opposite reaction to funding limitation:
tion example by the City of Stanwood suggests an opposite reaction to funding limitation:Funds for a new Stanwood City Hall building were just not available at this time and the City found a way to repair the stucco, paint and adapt the now unique design and character of the building. The building looks fresh and inviting once again. And the taxpayers paid far less for this improvement, not to mention increasing is re-sale value if it ever decides it needs more space for city operations in the future.
I only add that not only is it buildings that are worthy of preservation, but our local historical societies collections.  Think of them this year in your giving considerations. See our list of local heritage groups on the right side of this page and select the community of your choice as a worthy recipient of much needed dollars for preserving local history for our futures.
Karen Prasse
Current President,
League of Snohomish County Heritage Organizations.
