Downtown Salisbury Inc.

Placemaking at 9 Print
Written by Randy   
Thursday, 25 February 2010 08:51

Placemaking at 9

My son Preston is 9 years old now.  Many of you may have seen us riding around town on bicycles.  We frequently ride on Fulton Street and sometimes head into the downtown.  One of Preston’s favorite destinations is Bernhardt Hardware Store.  Mr. Bernhardt always greets us and always smiles at Preston and says, “How’s my buddy?”  Of course, he often is pulling a red sucker out of his pocket for Preston as he greets us.  Sleds, wagons, a display case full of knives; the hardware store is the kind of place that makes little boys dream of great adventure.   It’s also the kind of place that helps little boys connect to their town.

The other day, we rode our bikes down to the hardware store and looked around a lot and picked up the few hardware items we needed.  On the way out, Preston asked if we could get some hot roasted peanuts, so we picked up a couple of bags and headed to Magnolia Park.  At the park we enjoyed one of those talks about life that only takes place where there are no distractions, no demands on your time.  It was a simple but memorable day.

Books have been written about it but I am not sure I could ever explain to Preston what “sense of place” really means.  I don’t really need to because on his own level he has made that connection with his community and his downtown, and he already understands it.  Thanks, Mr. Bernhardt, for helping make that happen.

 
Last Updated on Thursday, 25 February 2010 11:42
 

Comments  

 
0 #6 Jason Epley 2010-02-26 22:55
Be sure to keep these stories/blogs for Preston to look back on when he is older. He will be able to really appreciate your thoughts then, remembering all those great times with dad!

Hopefully, the leaders of tomorrow, like Preston, will continue the tradition of making Salisbury a wonderful place for creating memories.
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0 #5 Glenda 2010-02-25 23:04
Great story...great memory for both of you!
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0 #4 Whitney Peckman 2010-02-25 22:25
It's worth remembering that a sense of place often continues to exist because of the constant hard work of those who wish to make SURE it does so.
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0 #3 Jon Auvil 2010-02-25 12:52
Well said Mr. Hemann. I am sure young Preston is appreciative of everything about his community and home. Too many kids never get to experience these things that you write about, they should.
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0 #2 Annette Hall 2010-02-25 12:14
A small town is a great place to raise a child, particularly because of experiences like this. Loved the post.
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+1 #1 Gray Stout 2010-02-25 11:29
I share the same experience as Preston has visiting Bernhardt Hardware as a 9 year old. I am thankful that 40 years later it is still there and that the sense of place has been preserved.
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