tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16803483.post115506182593209846..comments2007-02-18T18:01:24.731-05:00Michael Johnathonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13360176267704585180noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16803483.post-1166578738513204532006-12-19T20:38:00.000-05:002006-12-19T20:38:00.000-05:00Your story Artists and Krit-icks is so meaningful to me: <BR/>My passion is old buildings. Saving, restoring, preserving old handmade buildings. Log cabins,oak mortice and tenon/timberframe buildings. Most,or all in fact, saved from the wrecking ball, with one of my projects featured in a national publication.<BR/> Restoring an early 19th century structure IN a small town, IN a designated Natl. Reg. Historic District still drew criticism from a neighbor. He complained to the city officials, and their response entailed taking a chain saw,and cutting up ALL of my 170 yr.old replacement timbers - 26'long <BR/>hand-hewn beams, pit-sawn timbers,<BR/>hand cut limestone steps. The police chief threatened to throw me in jail, if I complained. It has been two years since this happened, and it is still inconcievable to me. I lived there for over 20 years, raised 2 college educated daughters, provided homes for their festivals, homes tours, etc. I am angry and heartbroken. That was my home, my community. Or was. The concentric circles sourrounding this have been devestating - emotionally, financially. Bullies in high places have an unreal sense of entitlement.<BR/>You see, old houses are a spiritual experience for me. I see what an engineering feat they are, and feel so much respect for the generations before me. Preserving them is my way of contributing and giving back. I feel so misunderstood. <BR/>Until I read Artists and Krit-icks once again. Thank You. KristaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com