Off the Editor’s Spike by Darryl Wilkinson
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Off the Editor’s Spike by Darryl Wilkinson
It always seems a waste to me to drive around our business square and gaze up at all the second story windows either boarded up or lifeless. Of course, times have changed. Who would build a 2- story commercial building in a small town anymore, much less a 3-story like the one we’re sitting in?
Some places paint silhouettes of people dancing and playing jazz music to revive old memories. The figurines are bigger than life size and flat as warped plywood can be. But at least they present a facade of activity if only upon first glance. I can’t help but wonder if, over time, even these lose their appeal — but I like the effort.
Stairs present a problem. We once rented the apartment over our printing presses to an elderly lady who, aside from her smoking, was a very good tenant. But as she got older, the stairs forced her into a tough choice: either stay in or get out. She asked us to install an elevator. I still like the idea, but passed on the price tag. So, she got out. Stairs keep many second story spaces from being used.
Sometimes strange ideas pop up as I walk home viewing the back end of the east side of our business square. Could one elevator service several buildings if an enclosed walkway provided common access? Maybe even the alleyway could be involved in the remake, actually improving security and access not only to remodeled living quarters above but to businesses below. And with the new “plaza” front facing eastward, the parking lot could be landscaped and transformed. Why, there’d even be enough flat area to add a carnival to Chautauqua or expand the fall flea market!
OK, now you know I quack like a duck. I know it’s dangerous thinking out loud, much less putting such doodlings down on paper. Realities like the costs of new electric wiring, tuck pointing, and roofing (not to mention plumbing) chase away my day dreams. Otherwise, I’m sure lots of little towns would be in revival.
This is what really bothers me most about what’s happening to rural America — I think we’ve quit dreaming, or at least we don’t share our day dreams enough with each other.
Being a landlord is a reality check in itself. Liz and I are fortunate to have mostly good experiences with our apartment tenants over the years. The experiences aren’t always good …nor always bad …and usually dictated by money. The sad reality is that the landlord often raises a tenant’s rent when the tenant himself can’t raise it — hence, the lifeless second floors around our business square.
But sometimes what’s expected from a landlord can be funny. Here’s a few excerpts from letters sent to landlords which prove the point.
*The toilet is blocked and we cannot bathe the children until it is cleared.
*This is to let you know that there is a smell coming from the man next door.
*The toilet seat is cracked: where do I stand?
*I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is running away from the wall.
*I request your permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.
*Our lavatory seat is broken in half and is now in three pieces.
*Will you please send someone to mend our cracked sidewalk. Yesterday my wife tripped on it and is now pregnant.
*Our kitchen floor is very damp, we have two children and would like a third, so will you please send someone to do something about it.
*Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny color and not fit to drink.
*Could you please send someone to fix our bath tap. My wife got her toe stuck in it and it is very uncomfortable for us.
*And you thought you had troubles!