Treasures

In a recent Times News feature story by Donald Serfass, we learned that workers excavated a large rock buried in the river bed beneath the center arch of the East Broad Street bridge in Tamaqua.

Chiseled on the stone was the name J.C. Springer and it was dated 1878. Local historians believe it could have been part of a covered bridge.

With so much rich history in Carbon and Schuylkill counties, these kinds of discoveries are thrilling not only to local historical societies but to history buffs at large. It's exciting when a historic treasure comes through the door.

This is part of a bigger picture. A new study by the National Trust for Historic Preservation revealed that neighborhoods with older, smaller buildings make for more vibrant communities. Older buildings become magnets for more shops, restaurants and small businesses and are better for the local economy than areas with newer, larger buildings that stretch over an entire block.

The study is the start of a larger effort examining Baltimore, Philadelphia and other cities with tougher real estate markets. It is hoped that the study will spur developers and city planners to take a second look at the economic potential of smaller buildings and historic neighborhoods.

It's important to have elected local officials who realize the importance of preserving our past. Last fall, the Schuylkill County Commissioners adopted a working document intended to increase preservation at the planning level by expanding and strengthening state and federal partnerships to advance local, regional and statewide preservations.

Local boroughs and townships were encouraged to address their community's specific historic preservation needs and to identify ways that cultural and historic resources can or do contribute to local community character, quality of life and economic growth potential.

The working document said that if the local government owns, occupies or manages historic buildings they should take action to keep these properties occupied and in good repair. Local preservation is necessary if we are to properly safeguard the treasures and educate residents and visitors about the history of the community.

By Jim Zbick

editor@tnonline.com