Back in the 60's there was a movement for some cities and towns in the state to bring in as many fast food restaurants as possible within a short amount of time and knocking down everything in the way in order for owners to be on the ground floor of the new  business's movement.

  Growing up in Keene in the 60s I saw many historical buildings torn down to make way for eateries. Even. at my 'tender' age I was horrified to see what was taking place. Hanging on my wall at home now is a painting of what was once a huge stately mansion on Keene's West Street called 'The Colony House.' It stood empty until 1969 when it was torn down. I remember there was an open house and the public was allowed to tour it before the demolition. The 1800s mansion boasted an elevator, many fireplaces with ornate woodwork and paneling throughout the house. The main feature, though, was the winding staircase and the elegant domed glass ceiling at the top of the house. Soon after, a Dunkin" Donuts and a Howdy Burger were installed on the leveled and paved piece of property where the mansion once stood. Now there is nothing left but the paintings which marked the end of an era, Other historical buildings and large farms were also razed to make way for shopping plazas and more fast eateries.

  Finally in the 70s Historical Societies became more powerful raising money to save what historical landmarks were left in the city. Thus, another Colony House which houses glass museum was saved. A stately brick home up the street from the former mansion it still in no way compares to the loss of the mansion.

  Now cities and towns are finding such monuments can be made the centers of developments or made into museums preserving our heritage.

  In Ashland we have a chance to save a piece of our history: the 1879 brick schoolhouse standing on School Street in the middle of town. The $7OO,OOO capita1 campaign kicked off earlier this month (see page l) with half the money already raised. the Historical Society continues fundraising and Tri-County Community action Program continues to apply for grants. Once the funds are raised (80 percent minimum) the sale will close and renovations can begin, possibly by early next year.

  Now that Ashland is seeing a boom in development (see page l) preservation of our heritage has never been more important. A developer plans to restore the Riveredge Marina main building in a 'rustic' style to blend in with the town's history. LW Packard will be sub-divided to woo new businesses to town and preserving the facility for generations to come,

 Already Main Street boasts beautiful historical buildings such as the Samyn-D'Elia Mill, Alex Ray's renovation of the old postoffice and the Common Man Restaurant and the edifice of the Artists' Gallery. ,

  Thankfully the movement to rip down everything in sight to make way for 'modern' buildings is over. We now must "stay the course."                                                                                         LS