Charles K. Cowdery <cowdery@ix.netcom.com> Date: Sat, 01 Mar 1997
Dear Chancellor Broski,
I am a Chicago resident and author of the book _Blues Legends_, which profiles 20 masters of blues music. Naturally, all of the artists profiled in my book performed here in Chicago during their careers and most called this city home. Many began their careers in the Maxwell Street district, which is mentioned in the book several times.
The book is illustrated with photographs by another Chicagoan, Raeburn Flerlage, taken here in the 50s, 60s and early 70s. It also includes a 10-song CD and, again, many of the songs on it were recorded here in Chicago.
I am writing to add my voice to the many calling for some significant preservation of what remains of Maxwell Street, a precious landmark. I'm sure a university chancellor does not need to be persuaded that it is worthwhile for people to learn and understand the history of the places where they live. Books, photographs and audio recordings are all important forms of preservation, but they are no substitute for substantial links like buildings, streets, and other monuments.
I have visited Beale Street in Memphis and it is an excellent example of what could be done here. No, it is not, in any sense, a continuation of what Beale Street was 50 or 100 years ago. It is a monument, an artifact, but one built from original bricks, on the original site, and that counts for something.
I recently visited Prague and Budapest. It makes a difference knowing that the historic buildings in Prague are mostly original while most in Budapest are reconstructions. The difference doesn't render a visit to Budapest meaningless, but there is a difference. There is still a chance to preserve that difference here. You have that opportunity.
Of course, we can't preserve everything, so how do we decide what is important enough to keep? Why should Maxwell Street be preserved in some significant way?
Because of its importance to both the history of immigrant arrival and the development of blues music, Maxwell Street is uniquely able to stand as a monument to interracial cooperation, mutual appreciation, respect, even love, something all too rare in this country. So I have to wonder, does the destruction of Maxwell Street send the opposite message? Will that decision forever mar the university's many positive contributions to the community? There is little doubt that Maxwell Street WILL be remembered for a long time, as will UIC's role in its history, whatever that turns out to be. That much is certain. I won't presume to predict exactly what will occur, but if you expect all of this to blow over once the tennis courts are in place, I am sure you are mistaken. One way or another, the fate of Maxwell Street and everything it symbolizes will be a permanent part of your legacy and that of the university.
I have lived in Chicago for about 10 years and I visited Maxwell Street shortly after my arrival. Sure, there wasn't much to it even then. It wasn't pretty then; it never was. When I visited, it took some imagination to connect that physical reality to the place's historic importance, but Gettysburg, after all, is just a big field. Maxwell Street deserves better than a cineplex and the leaders of a great center of learning should realize that. It's not too late.
Sincerely,
Charles K. Cowdery
For all of your Chuck Cowdery needs, see my web site at
http://www2.netcom.com/~cowdery
web page provided by OPENAIR-MARKET NET
return to Preserve Maxwell Street