To the Editor:

In an era where brick and stone school buildings from the late 19th/early 20th century are beginning to be revered in many communities, Potsdam has successfully transformed theirs to look like it was made yesterday.

Where there once was beautiful brickwork, concrete trim, and other architectural features that are ignored in the name of progress in today's throwaway society, it now looks like a $10 plastic toy train kit that an 8-year old snapped together.

Why couldn't the brickwork have had its mortar redone in the few areas where it was failing, the windows and doors replaced, and the concrete trim repaired? Surely, the bulk of the benefits could've been enjoyed at likely less cost, while maintaining its handsome exterior for future generations. Instead, its handsome facade will now be hidden from view.

I bet they didn't even bother to save the bomb shelter marker next to the auditorium entrance, despite teaching 20th century American history within its walls just a few feet away.

Leo Ames

Potsdam