Re: Once Again: 7 December 1941

12/12/25 - posted by Paul Judge

Candis your post stings a bit because of your truth. Candis, we mourn with you for the loss of warmth of community that we discovered here.
The fact is yes, our friends and contributors, many of an older generation, have passed away. Yes, activity on this Message Board has diminished in volume from its once active vibrancy. I remember even a decade ago some wondered whether readers/contributors to the site had run out of topics to discuss. The why of it may be that those who browse or stumble upon this site may not think they have questions to ask or things to contribute.
Or it could be a factor of timing. Does anyone feel that they are living in historic times when they are only a few decades young in age? At some point it begins to dawn on a person, yeah, that 30, 40, 50 years ago real stuff I didn’t think was important was happening that I/we lived through!
When David and Woody created this forum, it was somewhat akin to early television broadcasts of the 1950s. Back then there were only 3 national broadcast networks and a few other local television stations to dial to. In the 26 years of the WNP’s excellent ‘from the sidewalk up gathering of lived, local history’ the choice of social networks to participate with have multiplied and compete for people’s attention. It well could be that the mid-century lived experience shared here expired with the changes of time. Things aren’t what they used to be. There were many after the reconstruction of the San Francisco following the Quake & Fire who claimed the city they knew had died and changed. Pick your decade and you’ll likely find the same sentiment. Each generation claims their experience. Yet, the many programs, walks, presentations, etc. that the WNP conducts proves that interest in home grown, real local history is popular and important. This message board might be evidence like a curbside wood utility pole peppered with rusty staples yelling, YES, once real stories were shared here and they’re available to access and read again and perhaps even evoke further discussion. Browse the Facebook and web sites dedicated to San Francisco history, you’ll see many who share their lived experience of growing up, working, residing in San Francisco. Not all sites are curated for historical accuracy, some are cheesy products of Artificial Intelligence. But the appetite to discuss and share lived experience is present. Every chance I get I mention and direct folks to check out the Western Neighborhoods Project where local history is happening and needs your participation.