There is a family birthday blitz going on. Dano has a birthday today (Jan.27). My brother Jack has a birthday on Sunday (Feb.1) followed by Grasshopper No.3's (Feb.7) and then the family matriarch Nana's, Feb.11. For Nana it is number 98! Enjoy the moment. Each person is a star for the day. Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday! Happy Birthday!
Your Mom picked up a brochure in Plymouth published by the Chamber of Commerce. It is their "official visitors and community guide". It is 40 pages of historic facts coupled together with lots of advertising by local businesses.
So I figured that under historic information I'd find mention of the City Club and the role it played in the growth of Plymouth especially in the early to mid-century 1900's. I couldn't find anything. So I looked in the directory in the back of the brochure for directions on finding the City Club. Nope, no mention. Then I went through the publication page by page trying to find a footnote about the City Club and it's role in downtown history. There wasn't even a footnote.
There is no mention of any old time buildings. There is a picture of a 20 foot high fiberglass cow commemorating the City's tie to the cheese making industry. The cow is about as exciting as a 30 foot high ball of twine or the Cow Palace in North Dakota. There are directions to local "bed and breakfast" facilities along with dining establishments. Throw in a few golf courses and mention of Road America and you have a complete guide to ecstasy.
Plymouth of course is living in the moment promoting current businesses and events. The history is interesting but there is absolutely no reason the City Club should dominate any discussion. It played a prominent role in our family for 50 years so it has sentimental value to me.
Like most historical buildings, there is a slow fading into obscurity and alas, no footnote of the City Club in the official Plymouth visitor guide. That is as it should be. Focus on the future.
But for me, the City Club is woven into the fabric of Plmouth and it is there in the brochure. It is written between the lines even though there is no footnote. I can see it!
Stay warm!
Love,
Dad