The old St. Louis Gas Light Square had nothing on St. Charles. The famed square named for a street lined with gaslights has long since died then revived only to die again. The life is coming back again but maybe this time they will look at a more economical way to light the streets.
I am mentioning this because at the last South Main Preservation Society Meeting the cost of gas was a “hot” topic. It appears that the cost of gas for the lights has risen just like at home. This cost of course is being passed on to the taxpayers so South Main can preserve the past. The lights are on all the time yet they are only noticeable at night. I ask, what does it matter because the shops are all closed at night?
In their defense, the SMPS is looking at an alternative electric light. They previously discussed how Colonial Williamsburg has used electric for years. The lights in Williamsburg look like gaslights yet cost a fraction to illuminate the streets.
This is just another adventure in the misadventures of South Main. They focus so much on making things like 1804 they forget the fact this is 2006 and most people really wouldn’t care or notice if the lights were gas or electric.
Note to the SMPS the “Gas Light Era” was from 1865-1875 it wasn’t part of our original city streetscape. Why didn’t they do this in the first place? The electric lights would have been perfect for a street that closes down to retail traffic before dark. I have a suggestion, when the merchants open after dark, light the streets.
I have been told that the man who runs Christmas Traditions has resigned. That is too bad. He has been doing a wonderful job. We have heard he is tired of all the bickering from Archie, Paul, Gene, Venetia and V’Anne about the use of professional actors to portray Mary and Joseph during the Christmas Pageant. Prior to last year, Paul was Joseph and Venetia was Mary. I don’t know what they are complaining about because that would also take a lot of acting.
I thought it would be good for the street when Bill Goellner was elected president of SMPS and brought along his own slate of officers. I am still waiting for the good to occur. At the last SMPS meeting he seemed to me to be trying to appease Paul instead of providing the street with the leadership he is capable of. Come on Bill, we know you can do the job. Let’s make it happen. Bring some life back to the street.
