To whom it may concern:
A resident of Jacksonville, I travel to your town several times a year to visit my longtime friends, James Glaser and Wanda Violet, and have met many other Madisonians when I have participated at the yearly storytelling event.
One of the first landmarks that captivated me years ago was the Wardlaw-Smith house. I was so smitten with it, Wanda circled the block twice so I could enjoy it from all sides. After that, every time I came to town, we drove past this stunning house, at my request.
A few years ago, after the house was purchased with the intention of transforming it into some kind of culinary school, as I understand, I attended a Christmas Open House there and actually went inside the house and found it as exquisite inside as out.
Plate of cookies in hand, I wandered through the rooms, savoring every detail, and especially enjoying the history of the house, an account printed and framed on the wall.
Last week, I visited Madison again, and again, we went on an after-lunch drive and again, I asked Wanda to drive me to the Wardlaw-Smith house.
I was shocked at the state of disrepair the house has fallen into--yard overgrown, debris on the lovely porch, stains, and mildew on the beautiful walls.
I am particularly sensitive to local treasures…historic sites rightfully belonging to the people of the town…falling into disrepair, because I have recently watched the Jacksonville Landing, a wonderful place Jacksonville citizens enjoyed and took pride in for many years, decline, and yes, literally "fall," demolished and flattened to the ground within the last few months.
These are only the observations of a bystander, an admirer of your town. I certainly have no understanding of why this sad state of affairs…the neglect of a cultural treasure…a landmark of your community…is currently the case.
I only know I missed the experience of visiting and admiring the Wardlaw-Smith house on my brief visit.
I cannot imagine how heartbreaking it must be to witness the decline every day.
I do not know if there is a solution, but if I were a citizen of Madison, I would certainly be looking for one.
With kind regards,
Holly Bebernitz