Landmarks - Landmarks

 

 Another landmark along Washington Street has disappeared - the removal of the second-story porches on what was known as the Keil Building in the yesterdays - later Elsebree's Corner. Somehow we have affectionate memories of these places and their passing causes a nostalgic twinge.

The Keil Saloon was the second door from the corner, and his home with large front porch, was built upstairs. It was the custom in the early days for families to live in the rear of their stores or business places - this was both economy and convenience. On Summer evenings the families would gather - sitting on benches and chairs on the sidewalks along the street. Later on, some built homes over their business houses - and there were several of them along Washington Street. 

On the park corner was the Parsons Saloon with the home and porch upstairs. What delightful gathering places on Summer evenings! There were lovely daughters in both the Keil and Parsons homes and always groups of young people around. Both Keil and Parsons families were staunch pioneer stock and played a big part in Sonora's early day history. We have missed these old friends - the girls I walked with "only yesterday".

The old City Hotel had a lovely upstairs front porch beautifully shaded by elm trees; here crowds gathered on the 4th of July and other big days to watch the parade, races and other events; the old Victoria (now Sonora Inn) had two long porches upstairs that were popular gathering places during celebrations. 

Oh, yes - porches were in style in those days - and wasn't there something friendly and homey about them - Nowadays we must "hide away" to a patio in the back yard where we can have privacy and seclusion.

I remember the front porch of my childhood home - fairly covered with vines - climbing white jasmine and Madera vines - both so fragrant - where have they all gone? We never see them anymore. After supper we all sat on the front porch - sometimes we could hear crickets chirping and frogs in the creek nearby. There were not so many diversions in those days - and besides there were home loving hearts and togetherness.

I must not forget the old Eichelroth home on north Washington Street and the wide sweeping porch close to the sidewalk. The same old-time gathering place on Summer evenings. A pretty, rambling house with flower garden, and nearby, the Doctor's office.

Oh yes, our town is growing modern and up-to-date - we would not have it otherwise - we love progress - we love new things - but there is something in the passing of these old landmarks savoring of the sweet and simple long ago that give us a pang.