HISTORICAL ERADICATION.A Photo Essay by Alyssa Jones.

Most never recognize the significance of the structures that surround us and what they represent...

Until they disappear…

Or are destroyed.

Just as Paris is defined by the Eiffel Tower, small town America is defined by the structural gems that compose the physical history of the community and its members. When one of these structures is destroyed, the loss is comparable to the death of a prominent resident. Once gone, there are only photographs and memories left behind, you can never walk the halls of that structure again and experience what once was.

When does a structure cross the threshold from existing in a community to becoming a representation of its people and their history?

Hillsboro High School

’34-’09

March 2009

May 2009

Spring 2009

What is the price of eradicating a piece of history?

How do you justify destroying history that is structurally sound and could be designated a new purpose?

How will the loss affect a community?

When should a structure be…

Restored?Destroyed?

Preserved?

Fall 2009

Soon, only photographs and memories will be left, no longer will the structure stand for the community, the community will stand for the structure. The loss of an old friend, a resident of the community for almost nine decades.

At some point, the status of a structure crosses an invisible line to meaning much more than its original purpose. The historical structures of small town America must be preserved. Failing to restore and allocate a new purpose to a high school that been a binding landmark of the community for almost nine decades deprives future generations of intimately knowing a collective history of their small society. If we fail to preserve these silent residents, how does this reflect the value and commitment placed on community and family?

Although the grassy scar is only temporarily visible before a gas station or fast food chain pollutes the area, the scar on the community will last much longer.