Perspectives on preservation

There's beauty in honoring the past through modern eyes

During a visit downtown, Jim Paynter, a dedicated reader of Building on History, captured an interesting photo that tells us much about the importance of preservation. Thanks to his permission, you can enjoy the picture above.

In the foreground is the Skidmore Fountain, a gift of the 19^th Century entrepreneur and Portland City Council member, Stephen Skidmore. Its classical composition, no longer embraced by the modern art world, reminds us that people came before us who also had vivid artistic sense that we can still enjoy.

Behind the Skidmore Fountain sits the cast iron colonnade that once was the ground floor face of the New Market Theater’s north wing. The north wing was erected in 1874 and torn down in 1952. Fortunately, the cast iron was saved, and a wonderful preservationist, William J. Hawkins III and his dedicated Portland Friends of Cast Iron Architecture, lobbied to have it reinstalled at its original location on Southwest First Avenue. Mission accomplished in 1983.

Like the Skidmore Fountain, the colonnade reminds us of elegant architecture in an age long gone. It showcases a wonderful, lasting building material no longer used in contemporary architecture. It reminds us again that people who care about our history and want it saved, like Bill Hawkins, can achieve victories, though their roads may be twisted and difficult.

In the background, of course, is Big Pink, the 42-story tower completed for U.S. National Bank in 1983. It celebrates the victory of modern technology and building practices that allow us literally to reach into the skies.

The beauty of Paynter’s photographs is that they celebrate the beauties of the past while honoring the present as we currently know it. People were here before us, and if we’re careful, we can enrich our lives by respecting their art and craft. People will come after us, too, and perhaps there will be folks among them who battle to save Big Pink from whatever ravages of time awaits it.

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