Brentwood Chief of Police Dan Fitzgerald is also a contributor to the Brentwood Historical Society blog. On Monday he wrote about the 75-year-old house at 8829 White Avenue that was demolished last week, and philosophized about ‘the proverbial cycle of life’ in the process.
The house was owned by ‘Minnie’ Weise, who died at 100 in February. Steve Larson, on the city staff, and the architectural review board, said Tuesday he expected developer, Mark Manlin, to be in soon with site plans.
I knew the day would come.
Last February, I wrote a post for this blog about Minnie Weise, a long time Brentwood resident who died at the age of 100. Minnie, and her husband Clarence, built this house in 1940 for $4200. It was on a double lot Minnie’s father had purchased for $600. Minnie told me she and her husband planted all the trees on the lot. Minnie lived in this house for 75 years.
In my humble opinion, this was the most beautiful lot in Brentwood. The lot was huge by Brentwood standards, but the house was not. It was small; simple. The trees and shrubs created a park-like atmosphere. Even with the noise of Brentwood Blvd. a few yards away, there was always a sense of peace and calm.
And the tree. I would look forward every year when this beautiful tree would bloom. It had a perfect shape. It was a commanding presence on the simple lot.
I knew the day would come. Last week the house, and many of the trees, were taken down. New houses will be built on the property.
A lot has been written lately about the tearing down of old Brentwood homes, and the trees, to build bigger homes. Honestly, it has been happening for many years. I wonder what the Brentwood residents were saying in the 1930’s and 1940’s when many of our current Brentwood homes were built. Farmland, trees and a peaceful way of life were set aside for the progress of a growing community.
Sure, it can be sad to say goodbye to a house or beautiful tree. It really is part of the proverbial cycle of life. New homes are built and new trees are given a chance to grow. Better yet, new members are added to the Brentwood community.
Makes you wonder how Brentwood will look in 70 years.
DF
