From Bjarte Ryland, Bremanger, Norway

Bjarte Ryland <br@internet.no> Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997

Sir

I was dropping in on a blues-site on the Net and unfortunately discovered UIC's "plans" for the Maxwell Street.

I am sure you are aware of us Europeans thoughts about the lack of history in the US (by this I mean the nation's lack of history, not the natives).

One way to get a historical stand is by preserving major historical places. For a young nation such as yours, preservation of Maxwell Street will be of great influence in the future.

When this planet is turning into the 23rd century, I'm sure USA will be remembered by four major historical events in this century.

1. The A-bomb

2. The trip to the moon

3. The new musical styles, as music and as an commercial industry

1. The movie, as artform and again, as a commercial aspect

In the US there are three historical places (in the history of music)of the greatest importance:

1. Bourbon Street, New Orleans

2. Maxwell Street, Chicago

3. Beale Street, Memphis

The destruction of Maxwell Street will be a disaster for the US history, and a disaster for the music history of the whole world.

So, please: Don't ruin Maxwell Str. Take care of it instead, preserve it, make it a living musical and historical place. Take a look at Beale Street, Memphis and see what they have done there. Beale Street is still alive, and Memphis is doing BIG money on it as well.

With regards,

Bjarte Ryland

Bremanger, Norway

web page provided by OPENAIR-MARKET NET

return to the top of the page

return to Preserve Maxwell Street