Familiar places

Coming around the corner by Town Pond yesterday on our way home was so nice. The swans were still there, along with an unusually large group of ducks that seem to have defected from the group that habitates the Nature Trail (A falling out? Advanced scouts? Who knows?!). A light rain was falling, and as is typical in the fall, work was being done everywhere: paving and sidewalks on Ocean Avenue, repairs to the fence at the South End Cemetery, and a new roof for Clinton Academy.

I love the fact that East Hampton takes such pride in its heritage. The cemetery fence and the new roof are wonderful examples of that. Our old buildings and our special historical places are lovingly cared for and defended against the ravages of time as well as what some would call "progress".

Recently the Presbyterian Church re-shingled the manse and the church. The Thomas Moran House is in the process of being restored. All these places mentioned are an important part of the character of our Main Street and their presence helps us to remember where we have come from - and who we are.

I hope that we are able to instill in our children - our future generations here - the importance of these touchstones, these places that teach us to honor the past. I trust that we already are.