Cumberland — During the early 1970s, a truly historic building in Cumberland was demolished. Today, if still standing, it would be cherished by tourists and residents who appreciate relics of our heritage.
The Queen City Station represented the purpose of existence of Cumberland, which was transportation. Many of us miss the train station and the ability to enjoy it visually. Other sites, although part of our city’s history, don’t have that magical quality that brings to memory earlier times.
The “sawtooth buildings” at the Footer Dye Works for example, disappeared so quickly after an offer was made to finance most of the demolition, leads one to believe that the delay in removal was not for realistic historic reasons. The same could be said about the decision, yet to be made by the “preservation society,” for the demolition of St. John Newman School, aka, SS. Peter and Paul School. What is the historic value? Has anyone missed the “sawtooth buildings?’’
I am in the midst of several families with sentimental memory of the school, having had three sisters and four brothers who attended classes there. However, these memories are carried forward without the need to visualize the building. This building is only a building that is of no value to the parishioners of SS. Peter and Paul. On the contrary, it’s an unneeded expense.
Other facilities on the property have been effectively converted for the parish needs. Still, some parishioners have difficulty envisioning the purposed shrines that would enhance the corner of Fayette and Smallwood. The proposal would feature historically a noteworthy representation of Cumberland’s past. St. John Neumann and St. Pio, both associated with the parish, would truly represent a portion of the religious history of Cumberland.
Along with newly planted trees, shrubs and flowers, the site would be a great asset to the neighborhood and the city. The parking addition would allow our parishioners to park on level ground, easing the path to the church.
It’s just a building, like the “sawtooth,” we won’t miss it!
Robert H. Fair
Cumberland
Letters
Building of no use, but the site could serve many purposes
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Besides, they’re not interested in dental health
Dear Governor:
I am writing to thank you for your leadership in the recently called special legislative session to avoid the Doomsday budget. -
Here’s why he prefers the school he’s now attending
School is boring but we all have to go, so choose your school carefully. I attend a Christian school because I don’t have to listen to people cussing, teachers and some class mates are caring, and I’m learning about Christ.
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Friends Aware grateful for support of public, legislators
Friends Aware Inc. would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Sen. George Edwards, Delegates Wendell Beitzel, Kevin Kelly and LeRoy Myers and the members of the Allegany County Commissioners for their support of our organization in the awarding of $250,000 through a state bond bill.
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They’re not bad; they just want the same rights
Quite frankly I’m sick of the constant bashing of same sex marriage, I’m a heterosexual with enough morals and common sense to see that what the gay community’s asking for isn’t anymore then basic equal rights.
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Sounds like communism didn’t work out too well for them
I read with interest R. Steele Selby’s letter of May 18 (”It may be that God would prefer communism”). I will limit myself to commenting on just one of his arguments.
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Day of Caring, Sharing proves he was right to move here
Being part of 2012 Caring and Sharing (I painted the entrance area at the Gilchrest Center) was yet another example of why Cumberland was the right place to relocate when I retired last summer.
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Will having a casino really be of benefit to Allegany County?
The idea of the county to have a casino may sound glamorous and exciting, but will it really help the economy of the area?
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Their goal is common good, not personal gain
At his request, I am responding to Arthur Squires’ commentary, “She believes despite evidence to the contrary” (May 17 Times-News).
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Common sense says: One high school and a VA hospital
First we build a hospital we did not need in place of two good hospitals. Now the architects tell us we should tear down the former Sacred Hospital to build a new high school we do not need. (“New Allegany architects: Tear it down — all of it,” May 9 Times-News, Page 1A)
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Historic Cemetery Organization sets Memorial Day activities
Once again members of the Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization are decorating hundreds of our designated or protected grave sites for the Memorial Day season.
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Besides, they’re not interested in dental health
