Thursday, 12/18

I didn't know it would have quite in the impact that is seems to have had.

This week's “Pieces of the Past” video is actually a riff on one of the segments I did at “Legends & Lore II” at Kaufman last January, the story of how downtown Marquette was once home to five national chain department stores, making it pretty much the shopping epicenter of the UP.  I figured it would be a good topic around this time of the year, and stuck it online and on the History Center's You Tube site yesterday morning.

And then the messages hit.

Unlike some of the videos I make, this one seems to have triggered fond memories in people.  I guess that's not a surprise, as the time period I'm describing was well within the lifetimes of most area residents (heck, I even remember some of the stuff I talk about).  And several people shared those memories with me, saying things like “(this) Brought back so many memories. Thanks!”, or “This was an excellent piece! A wonderful remembrance of my childhood. Thank you!”

Some people even got a little more specific--

“I fondly remember the hustle and bustle of downtown Marquette as a child. Getting Cub Scout gear and clothes at Penneys, shopping in Ben Franklin for candy and comics, "Monkey Wards" for clothes (I bought a model of the Starship Enterprise there in 1968!) Great times, and this was a great piece!” 

I've always thought nostalgia's a powerful emotion.  I guess the responses I've received from the video so far goes to prove that.  One of the reasons I make these videos is to preserve Marquette history.  Another is to teach.  And if, in the process, people get to relive part of their lives that are now long gone?

Well, that's just a bonus.  And a very good one at that.

Wanna check it out for yourself?

(jim@wmqt.com)