Off the Editor’s Spike

by Darryl Wilkinson

I’m anxious for the new sidewalk and curbing improvements around the Daviess County courthouse. It may be optimistic to think all will be completed by Chautauqua, but that’s a good goal. Chautauqua is a good target for some projects here at the publishing company, too.

The courtyard improvements put my focus on the rusty street poles elsewhere around the business square. And when looking at the one on our corner, my attention shifted to my own store front where I see boards and trim in need of paint. This town’s appearance needs a little TLC, and rather than preach, …well, I guess that effort could start with me.

It is funny how you get used to things without really seeing how they appear, or even what they are. I’m sure I’ve passed the courtyard flag pole hundreds of times, for instance, without seeing something important to somebody.

At the base of the flagpole is a small circle of metal. Words ngraved on this marker should confirm this is something beyond chance, even at a glance. It’s a reference marker for the U.S. Geological Survey, No. 1 dated 1948. And disturbance or removal could mean a $250 fine or imprisonment to the unsuspecting or to the vandal.

Similar markers can be found at various locations if you’re looking for them. Just like other peculiarities that can be found around the Gallatin square if you’re looking for them — architectural details that make this town distinctive.

If you take the time to really look, you’ll see many opportunities to highlight decorative window facings, building edifices and architectural lines on storefronts. It would take a little extra effort to choose and apply the right colors of paint, but, as you know in this business of living, it’s the little things that can really make the difference.

People do notice and appreciate. The roadside park on Gallatin’s south side, for instance, has been improved with a graveled circle drive and picnic tables, thanks to Gallatin Lions Club. Bulldog athletic signs at the high school and elsewhere have been repainted.

Wouldn’t it be great if new street poles and lights could line the entire Gallatin business square? That just might motivate private sidewalk repair and storefront work. I do think we can do more than just wash off the streets once a year to prepare for our fall festival, don’t you? I plan on more than just good intentions this year, hoping to join the efforts already planned or accomplished by others.

I think the proposal to put a carriage on our Civil War canon for public display is a great idea. I’m sure there are many other ideas, maybe going in several directions.

Collectively, we may not exactly know all of what we want, but I wish we wouldn’t rest ‘til we get it!