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Reflections on the granary issue

I was watching the most recent Sturgeon Bay City Council meeting (June 18th) on TV and am still pondering the complications that are involved with the Teweles&Brandeis granary. It particularly struck me when alderman Nault said that he had received over 60 phone calls from residents expressing their opposition to the preservation of the granary. I believe him- I don’t think he’s making this up and I understand that he’s taking the position of these 60 constituents.

 

I am trying to come up with an explanation as to why so many locals are opposed to preserving this historic structure. I mean, what is so wrong with preserving the last historic building that represents the agricultural history of Sturgeon Bay? Why not restore it, relocate it to its original location, and show future generations where Great Grandpa Joseph, Grandpa Tom, and Great Uncle Bernie used to work? Why not celebrate the history of this town in this way?

 

What strikes me as particularly odd is that the strongest resistance to the preservation of the granary seems to be coming from the ‘native’ locals, while transplants like myself are trying to preserve what we see as unique and priceless. Why do “the locals” want to destroy their own history? This is a question I am posing everybody that has threatened to burn it down or otherwise belittled the cause. In addition, I don’t understand why the Maritime Museum is not jumping into supporting the granary cause. It is a maritime artifact of the highest quality, isn’t it? Remember, it was originally built on a pier!

 

In conclusion, I believe that there is an information deficit out there amongst people that are against preserving the granary. And this deficit is partly the responsibility of the granary supporters, including myself. We have not done a good job of explaining in plain terms why this is a worthy cause. I think it is not too late. My appeal to the Council is to rethink their opposition and to support wholeheartedly the move of the granary. We have a treasure on our hands- let’s not waste it.

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