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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Isn’t the writter suggesting it really is a matter of choice?
The debate over homosexual marriage in the letters in this newspaper is very revealing. One writer claimed that, “denying these marriages is a form of minority discrimination.”
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Adults can help keep children from suffering burn injuries
I am writing concerning your article in the Feb. 6 Times-News concerning National Burns Awareness Week “National Burn Awareness Week prompts safety tips,” Page 1B).
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Story contained false information about snakes
I read the AP article written Feb 5. regarding the proposed exotic animal regulations in our great state (“W.Va. moves to tighten laws for wild animal owners,” Page 1B).
I must say I am disappointed to say the least at the irresponsible journalism that took place as to print downright lies. -
It would cost nothing to let these students ride the bus
Let me share with you how our Allegany County school system operates.
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Not in the Bible, but the Communist Manifesto
President Obama has hit a new low. By promoting his reasoning for hiking taxes on the rich at the National Prayer Breakfast, he diminished the seriousness of his proposals and manipulated Jesus’ teachings for his own political purposes. How pathetic.
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Landlords, tenants, city all responsible for smoke alarms Landlords, tenants, city all responsible for smoke alarms Landlords, tenants, city all responsible for smoke alarms
Are rental inspections being done?Is the landlord responsible for smoke detectors?
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Argument for same-sex marriage is superficial
I am writing in response to a letter by Ian Stafford entitled, “Equal standards on marriage should be applied to everyone” (Feb. 3 Times-News).
The first thing I noticed about the article is the title. It appeared to be a Gov. O’Malley talking point repeated by his supporter to reframe the issue and promote his radical agenda. -
Some of city’s rail crossings in need of repair or replacement
As I was crossing the rail crossing today at Valley Street and Henderson Avenue, I felt like I was riding a horse-drawn buckboard.
It took several minutes for my kidneys and stomach to right themselves back into a normal position. -
WMHS Home Hospice seeks to increase outreach to veterans
The Western Maryland Health System Home Hospice Services is seeking to increase the outreach to local veterans as part of the “We Honor Veterans” campaign.
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Other reports say to beware of fracking
Scott Cline writes that fears being voiced in the Times-News about hydraulic fracturing are long on fiction and short on facts, then proceeds to explain why fracking is so safe (“Unfounded fears about shale gas obscure facts,” Jan. 25 Times-News.
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Isn’t the writter suggesting it really is a matter of choice?
