New Orleans area has been very successful in making use of old buildings. In fact, it’s against the law to bulldoze or tamper too much with a building that is historic in any way.
We doubt that they will let them tear down big Charity Hospital since it has been named a historic treasure. It is as artistic and creative as you can get. In this writer’s mind, it is unbelievable that it cannot be repaired and put to some useful purpose.
Since they were planning a new hospital in that area, that should be the first choice if at all possible. Many say it can be done and it is in the perfect location. If not, how about condominiums or an office building?
It would be a pleasure to live or work in a structure with so much history behind it. Europeans have been preserving structures for many centuries. New Orleans has followed suit so far.
We need to keep what can be kept and make use of it, like in recycling. If it can be reused, do it. And we’ll enjoy it all the more the second time around.
If any of you folks out there think you are getting old, take a look at 95-year-old former Archbishop Phillip Hannen. According to Editor Peter Finney Jr. in last week’s Clarion Herald, he walks up and down the courthouse steps in Covington – – 62 up and 62 down – – eight times each day. And all of this after having a stroke in 2007.
He does this for exercise. His stair-walking has helped him do away with some of the pills he was taking after the stroke. He also used to jog in City Park when he lived near there.
The archbishop has had and interesting and heroic life in addition to serving out his religious duties. During World War II, he was a paratrooper who served in many combat situations. Since his retirement from the armed services, he worked his way up to head the archdiocese of New Orleans. And since his retirement there, he has spearheaded efforts to get the Christian message over the television airwaves.
He still says daily mass in Covington. And he’s thinking of having a party when he makes 100.
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