Memories live on in empty houses

To the Editor:

The abandoned house at 311 Cedar Lane in Swarthmore was recently brought to my attention by a resident of Swarthmore who was lamenting its demise and invited me join him for a visit. Walking by it, I stopped and wrote the following: 

“I often ponder the fact the every house is a home with rich history. The ghosts of those who visited; the footstep sounds attached to each and every creaking floor board; the worn chairs sat in by family and friends; the artwork that may have hung for decades looking out on visitors; the memories of many events, encounters, arguments, kisses and hugs, meals eaten, and songs sung around birthdays and anniversaries. Even the lingering odors of leather and wool, cats and dogs or flowers once brought indoors. Ah, yes, the house is home to many memories, emotions, and experiences, a rich history of humanity in a particular place and time. We in America are too quick to tear down and build anew! To allow that house to crumble and be erased as if it were a mistake, is to allow the home full of past human interactions to fade away into lost memories like fading shadows after a sunset never to be remembered.”

Ernie Sherretta
Broomall