To the editor:
I do not cry easily. I have endured funerals, eulogies, corteges, memorials, graduations, betrayals, breakups and breakdowns. Nary a tear. And, yet, when I saw the front page article in March 21's paper "Down and Out," I wept. Why? After all, I did not know the Tappan House well. I passed by throughout the seasons and admired its beauty and its grand old age, its stateliness. After all, Little's Lane is a byway into a chapter of our past and the house stood like a guardian of that history.
I do not pretend to understand the complications in the months following the Patricans' application for a demolition permit last November, but I do find it hard to believe that some sort of amicable resolution could not have been found. Years ago, I refused to sell my old farmhouse to neighbors who wanted the land but not the house. Their plan was to tear it down. I simply refused their offer to buy. Somewhere along the line, someone has to say no. We are, after all, only stewards.
I talked with a dear friend today and seeing a chance at some humor, we came up with a light-hearted idea. Why not give intended buyers of properties in our area a chance to pass a quiz. Here are some samples of questions: 1) Do you give a _____ about our history? 2) Do you like tractors? 3) Are you a fan of "Downton Abbey"? 4) Do you feed the birds? 5) Do you like to swim a) in a pool? b) in the ocean? 6) Would you be happier somewhere else? On and on. Some not suitable for this paper but they certainly helped to dry my tears.
Gillian Ingram
Newburyport
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