Remembering the courthouse

Living near Cacapon State Park, I usually drive into Berkeley Springs from the south. For me and many others, the old courthouse was the main landmark in town.

The clock tower reminded me of the clock tower in the movie "Back to the Future." But the old courthouse and clock tower really brought me back to the past.

The courthouse was the most architecturally interesting building in town. It anchored the main intersection and sat diagonally across from the park.

The building symbolized what is good about small towns, where the quaintness of the past meets the promise of the future. It gave us a sense of timelessness; a feeling of permanence, security and stability.

I remember being very saddened when I learned that the courthouse had burned down. Like the death of an old friend, something is now gone, leaving a hole in our lives.

I miss the old courthouse and long for its return. But I fear even once the new courthouse is sitting back on that corner, it will never feel quite the same.