In the latter half of the 19th century Essex commerce stagnated and the population contracted. But this economic and demographic downturn may actually have predicated the bountiful Essex heritage we enjoy today.
“The once flourishing spirit of commercial enterprise left in its wake a visible heritage that can be read in the buildings and streets of Essex. (Essex: An architectural guide)
This Essex heritage, an architectural legacy and atmosphere that continues to attract residents and visitors more than a century later, is the core subject of the The Doodler’s Guide to Essex, NY. The project will explore topics from history and enterprise to agriculture and art, habitat and fauna to adventure and recreation, but underpinning all that is unique and enduring is the foundation of Essex heritage.
[Essex] is neither a museum or a restoration. It has been preserved intact by the events of its history… (Essex: The Architectural Heritage)
This observations was made by George F. McNulty and Margaret Scheinin in 1971, and it still holds true more thank four decades later. I’m confident it will remain true well into the future as long as Essex heritage is valued and preserved. The Doodler’s Guide hopes to dilate the collective understanding of (and appreciation for) Essex heritage. With your assistance we will succeed!
Leave a Reply