When I first saw this picture, it made me realize the importance of documenting your hometown. How I wish I had gone around back then taking pictures of places so that I could have a record of all the places around town as I remembered them from back then.
I can't show my children the hospital I was born in which me and other locals all affectionately called "The Pink Hospital", because it has been long since been demolished.
I can't show pictures of the business store fronts where we used to shop or my schools as I remember them.
I can't show the old empty houses from the WWII internment camp that I used to pass by when my mom drove me to grade school, they are long gone now.
The first city pool where I learned to swim, it to is long gone. The first courthouse, also no longer there.
As with every city, Crystal City is a city of change and I am sure what it is now is nothing like it will be in the future.
My hope is that whoever is reading this, especially if you are a parent or grandparent, that you will take the time to document your town for your younger generation. It is a priceless gift they will cherish forever.
If you can at least start the process and then teach them to continue it, they will not only have a great gift, but you will be preserving history as well.
