I spend a lot of time alone driving to and from gigs or teaching or whatever. I'd like to say that it gives me time to think but really my mind just seems to wander from one thing to another. Lately, however, I've been thinking about how Christmas shopping was done when I was a kid vs. how we do it today.
Growing up in a small town in Michigan during the prosperous fifties and sixties we had several clothing stores, a couple of variety stores and all manner of specialty shops. We would walk from store to store, laden with previous purchases, stopping to chat with friends and neighbors about how busy we were or about the beautiful decorations that we saw.
All too quickly big box chain stores forced these places to close. These downtown areas have been transformed into service centers (hair, nail, legal, tax, etc.) and restaurant/bar establishments. While there are some retailers, they are far fewer than before.
The big box places make an easy target for those who remember the "good old days" but we still shop there. However nothing is permanent. We are shopping more online now than ever and it's only getting bigger. The big box places, once thought to be too big to threaten, are more than a little nervous. They are becoming more invested in online activity themselves in order to survive. Personally I've done quite a bit of shopping this year and none of it, so far, has been in a brick and mortar establishment. Next on my list, though, is visiting a couple of boutiques and art galleries. Just to look for a special gift that is not available elsewhere.
So as I listen to people talk about "revitalizing" downtown (any downtown) I've come to accept that the downtown of my youth is gone forever. But communities still need their focal points. I can't help but wonder what transformation will look like. Perhaps revitalization will include a larger, more diverse art culture.
Artists have transformed many communities over the years. Sections of New York City were transformed years ago and parts of Detroit are becoming reborn right now because of the arts. Many midsize cities have an "Old Town" district that has been resurrected by artists and concerned citizens.
Our downtowns have changed and they aren't going to revert to their old selves. I'm sure my great-grandchildren will think of my "good old days" as quaint and cumbersome. But I think of those times fondly and miss them at this time of year. I also am looking forward to seeing what is to be. It's a little scary, but I'm still optimistic about the promise of tomorrow.