Sad to see County shrinking

To the editor:
    I was back in the Houlton area about two weeks ago for my brother Tom’s memorial service. A sad occasion was offset by re-connecting with my younger brothers and their wives, a couple of former classmates from the HHS Class of 1962, several cousins and my mother’s octogenarian sisters who are as lively and enjoyable to be with as some folks half their age. My wife and I were warmly greeted by everyone we met and made to feel welcome, even though we are “flatlanders from away.”
    Although I could see signs of life outside of town (the food at Elm Tree Diner North is fabulous), it was sad to see that Market Square is just a shell of what I remember from the ‘50s. I did find the sculpture of George Washington at the entrance curiously interesting. Was sad to hear that “Boy with the Leaking Boot” had to be moved near police headquarters to stop vandalism.
    I left the area after graduating from Hodgdon High, because like many of my generation, I felt there was little or no opportunity and very little else to hold me. I carry no grudge; I’ve done well “away” and have a happy, productive life. It’s just sad to see Aroostook County keep on slowly dying, abandoned car by abandoned car.
David McCormick
Appleton, Wisc.