Altamont’s period architecture is unique
— Photo from Ed Cowley
A painting by the late Ed Cowley, father of the letter writer, depicts a scene along Altamont’s Maple Avenue. The buildings in the foreground are now occupied by Re-Nue Spa and Enterprise Printing and Photo.
To the Editor:
What is “historic” about Altamont is the intact period architecture. Almost all of Altamont was built soon after the railroad came through in September of 1863.
In that, I dare say, Altamont’s period architecture is unique. We are indeed fortunate that Stewart’s rose to the occasion and did a nice job of constructing a commercial building with a special design and features that complement Altamont’s architecture much better than I expected.
I never hoped for a miracle. Just compare the new Stewart’s building to the one on Route 20. I have. We are lucky. No indifferent “cookie cutter” replica at all. I never thought I’d say that as I’m quite cynical about people’s attitude toward “progress” at any cost including the destruction of Altamont’s historic structures.
Every building demolished or lost chips away at Altamont’s unique charm.
Altamont nearly lost its “second” train station. The Mynderse house and National Commercial Bank & Trust Company are gone — demolished for “progress.” And replaced by the now-vacant structure whose presence is muted by trees and the landscaping, which is also the post office’s best attribute as it’s “hidden.”
Like a phoenix, the library rose from its ashes only to become a cellar dweller but rose again to find a permanent home alongside the railroad tracks. The Altamont Fair’s magnificent grandstand burned to the ground and never will be replaced. The old firehouse is much improved. The drugstore is in good hands due to Sands and the adjacent businesses are as well.
I miss Veronica’s as I never expected a wine bar to come to Altamont. I miss getting penny candy at Helen Becker’s and the sound of the press at the Enterprise each Thursday. I never got rich selling green pears at the fair from Leary’s trees, our neighbor across the street. And Stephen Veneer never understood, nor ever will miss, his young Irish tenants who spoke a language of their own.
P.S. I wrote this in response to a community post that said, “Just because it’s old does not make it historic.”
Ed Cowley
Altamont