Buffalo’s turn in the spotlight last week for our wonderful architecture has just concluded. Am I the only person who sees the razing of St. Mary’s on the Hill church in late August as just another preparation for the National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference in October? We couldn’t have that “eyesore” on display to the many visitors who would inevitably gravitate to the historic Connecticut Street Armory across the street. So, it was gotten rid of out of the preservationists’ view or scrutiny. Just think of the impression that would have left with the tourists!

The effort to save the historic church building was a dismal failure. I don’t really know who to point fingers at, who really should take the blame: the neglectful owner, the uncaring city officials, the local preservationists…No, wait—I do know who is to blame. I blame us all, including myself, for doing so little to stop this final demolition of an historical treasure built in 1893. An historical treasure, like the ones we brag about “saving” from the wrecker’s ball. We failed big time for this building. It is completely gone and soon no one will even remember it was ever there. Way to go, Buffalo.

> Margaret Pascale, Buffalo

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