The year the Villages of Montpelier became “Pumpkin Hill”;
named for the local, infamous group of thugs was the same year the Rec got
bulldozed. Our apartments only housed our belongings; we resided in the
Montpelier Rec Center. Pool parties to tutoring sessions, the Rec engulfed us
all. The destruction of that safe haven for troubled youths in our already
troubled community created destruction in the community’s livelihood. No longer
did we meet for pool parties in tiny bodysuits; we were now fully clothed in
all black to bid adieu to another soul lost to the streets of South Laurel.
Why was I not aware of the death of this once epic, recreation center? :( I've lived in Laurel for like ... 10 years now. This made me kind of sad this morning, but thank you for writing about this. You successful explained the significance of this place in regards to yourself, as well as the wonderful residents of Laurel. Great job.
ReplyDeleteVery smooth from making us feel the importance to the sadness of the loss. Good post!
ReplyDeleteAs heart breaking as this post was, I really enjoyed how well you drove us in with your detail and description. I thought it was well written and couldnt have covered a more important topic.
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ReplyDeleteI live really close to Laurel and it is very sad to know the significance of this place. I think your post was really easy to follow and understand. The only thing I would maybe add are a few descriptive details for visualization but other than that great job!
ReplyDeleteI like your description of the REC and the sad significance of it in your community.
ReplyDeleteThe way you described how your "place" couldn't be preserved was beautiful, it was really engaging and creative!
ReplyDeleteI can relate to your situation of a bad neighborhood and the Rec. You explained your Rec and it's importance very well.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the writing of your blog, and obviously it's a heavy subject, but I thought your ending sentence was great. The only thing I would say to add to your blog is maybe add some more visualization vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteI liked the way you described your story and how this place affected you. The downside of this is that you only have 100 words. I would really like to see this story in more detail.
ReplyDeleteI'm almost done writing my comments but I don't think there are any other posts talking about a place that has already "died." And you certainly conveyed your sense of loss, as if it really was alive at some point. However, I wish I could see some old pictures of the rec center.
ReplyDeleteYour writing style is very creative, but you could mention which "year" all of this happened as well.
ReplyDeleteI really like this. It really makes the reader feel for what happened to the center.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very impressive use of narrative. I can almost feel the weeping for lost souls in this. Very good job!
ReplyDeletei like the way you described how important your place was to you and what it meant to lose it. It only needs a hyperlink
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