Letters: ‘The pride is still there, somewhere behind the trees’

I grew up at 2510 N. Main St. in Columbia, where my two sisters and I could look directly south and have a clear view of our capitol building, which marked the start of North Main. It was our joy to walk down this main thoroughfare to our father’s restaurant, The Metropolitan, at 1520 Main St., with the historic capitol always within view, sort of our guiding star. I’m a grandmother now and have lived away from Main Street for many years. Much has changed in Columbia, which is understandable. But one thing I lament.

Driving recently from Laurel and Main toward town, I realized that all I could see were the trees that blocked the view of the capitol. I know the trees were planted to beautify Main Street, and I certainly don’t advocate cutting them down, but can they be kept trimmed so they don’t look overgrown and intrusive?

I used to love to drive south on Main with the capitol building in view and experience the pride that living in the capital city gave me. The pride is still there, somewhere behind the trees.

This story was originally published October 2, 2016 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Letters: ‘The pride is still there, somewhere behind the trees’."