In every city there is a landmark that is seen for miles. Toronto has the CN Tower. I live north of the city but it can be seen when driving down Yonge Street miles away. It is my marker for South. Visitors must go up the tower-but it is a very expensive elevator ride. The view is incredible on a good day. On a foggy day you can not see very much. While downtown the CN Tower is there. Many places have famous landmarks- the Effiel Tower, Big Ben, the Pyramids, Golden Gate Bridge, St. Lawrence River, the Foothills. In olden days, the travellers used the north star as a marker. Landmarks are everywhere. There are some that have been in our consciousness our whole lives. We return to special spots just to revisit them. In your travels what has been your favourite ones? In your home community, what keeps you grounded? If you come to Ontario, you must visit the CN Tower. It's calling you!
Here on the prairies, we don't have structures like the CN tower. But, many towns and villages have old, wooden, grain elevators, water towers, or communications towers that serve the same purpose. Sadly, many of the old grain elevators are being replaced by larger, more efficient, but characterless concrete elevators. Such is progress ...
ReplyDeleteThere are so many interesting landmarks as you described Roy. I remember an octogan shaped barn at the corner of Steeles and Dufferin Street in Toronto. Fortunately, 2 creative authors wrote a book about disappearing barns and it appears in the book.The book is called "The Barn"-A Vanishing Landmark in North America by Eric Arthur and Dudley Witney published in 1972 by M.F. Feheley Arts Company Limited, Toronto, Ontario. Perhaps someone out on the prairies could photograph and capture those disappearing grain elevators.
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