Noting the numbers of comments regarding John Heilman’s plan to run for City Council and recalling a recent reference to friend Ruth Williams as a “founder” in these pages, I was wont, as old men often do, to shuffle through my memory banks goaded on by the word “founder”.
For five years beginning in 1961, I traveled through the country to introduce a line of Swedish industrial machinery. Much of my business was in smaller cities and towns in the Midwest and South where so. much of the soft goods industry had relocated from the Northeast in search of cheaper labor and taxes.
Tending to my clients often took me to several towns and I noticed that many celebrated what they called Founders Day to remember and honor those who had started the town. The occasion was sometimes sponsored by a fraternal club like The Elks, or by the city — but often by the local newspaper which would run special editions recalling the history and purpose of the town’s founding and the people whose efforts brought it into being.
After several years of reading the comments from resident on the pages of wehoville.com, I felt that many readers did not know how and why West Hollywood came into existence. I believe that we need an annual Founders Day to keep alive the memory of the our founders and the reason our little town exists. If, by chance, a sponsor (this online mag, for instance) for a Founders Day comes forward, I strongly suggest that it be non-political, and all inclusive.
A great many of our residents were not born when the city charter was signed. Great way to catch up and increaser knowledge of our unique city.
Carleton Cronin
cynics that you responders are, i think it’s a wonderful idea, cabot’s cove notwithstanding. let’s bring back some joy to this seemingly small city. let’s have the marching bands, the hot dogs and people getting to know each other. you hard boiled residents can stay home. i am so tired of the vitriol that seems to proliferate when anyone comes up with a positive.mm
Would be kind of Ironic to finally have a Founder’s day when the city is becoming so lost
I am one of those who were living here when the City came to be. I don’t think a Founder’s Day would celebrate all of us who were here. Knowing this town, I think WeHo would only celebrate the LGBT members of the town. There were many of us CIS citizens who wanted rent control to be continued that voted to become a City that would be ignored. Only the most outspoken would be recognized.
I am a G who wants to celebrate everyone including you and Mr. Cronin. History contains many facts that can’t be erased by current performances.
I really love this idea and it could be a lot of fun, in theory. Unfortunately, we don’t live in Cabot Cove, so I don’t think a lot of people would get excited about this.
No thanks