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It Gave A Lifetime Of Memories To Its
Patrons....
It Only Took A Few Days To Come Down |
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On Monday, March 6, 2006, The Riviera Hotel on Young Street
in Capreol still stood proudly, like an "old man" looking over
his field of dreams. Generations of people - some calling Capreol home,
and some just stopping over long enough from their train to down a few
cold ones and share a few stories. Whatever the reason, few who visited
Capreol in the "glory days" missed the opportunity to sit for a
while at the Riviera.
For those who passed by the front of this building on March 6, it must
have felt as if they were seeing an "old friend" on his death
bed - knowing that another part of their history was going to be taken
away - knowing that "tomorrow" there would be no more Riviera.
I am not sure where the photos on this page originated. My thanks to
Rudy Mazzuca for sending them to me by email. I also discovered them on Capreol
Online. Whoever took the photos, we all thank you for providing us
with a lasting record of a building that was much more than just four
walls in developing the history and character of Capreol. |
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Tuesday, March 7, 2006
The Beginning of The End |
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The "Jaws of Death" struck quickly and
mercilessly at the "old Riviera". Soon this proud building was
"stripped bare" of its dignity, letting the "spirits of the
past" float away forever. I have always tried to avoid giving
material things human qualities, but nevertheless, material things
generate memories and feelings within other human beings. While I was not
in the area during the demolition, I am sure that those who saw the event
unfolding couldn't help but feel somewhat embarrassed that this
"proud old structure" was being left "naked" and
humiliated in its final hours. |
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Wednesday, March 8, 2006
The Carnage Continues - The End Is Near |
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The steel shovel came down hard and swift as the walls and
interior were crushed to bits. After only a couple of days there wasn't
much left standing. |
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Friday, March 10, 2006
A True Sign of Power - Machine over History |
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Reflective of the power of machine over tradition and
history, the big shovel stands triumphant atop what was once a vibrant and
exciting part of the community. Some will call this progress. Others,
perhaps those with fond memories of the "old friend", will call
it simply a sign of the times - a phase of life that we must all go
through in some way as human beings. For no matter how great we become; no
matter how much a part of our environment and community we become; some
day we will all return to our roots and come tumbling down to make way for
the future. Some day, our friends will look upon us and recall memories of
the good times as we fall from our "pedestal of life" and make
way for others to come in and fill our "void".
Perhaps this final event in the life of the Riviera can be used to
remind all of us that no matter how great we become; no matter how strong
we may feel at the peak of our existence; it is the memories we leave with
those we come in touch with. The memories of the people who "enter
our lives", even if just briefly like those people who were just on a
train stop over - it is the memories we leave with people that will last
far beyond our short time on this earth.
No doubt many people will pass by the spot where the Riviera once stood
and talk about the "old days". That is the legacy of the
Riviera.
All we can hope for during our short time on this earth - and we never
know when the "jaws of death" will fell upon us - is that when
people see old photos or recall our name after we are gone, they recall
fond memories of good times while they were in our "circle of
life".
Whenever you think you are feeling a bit "too big for your
britches", come back to this article. Look at the photos and remember
that one day you too will suffer the fate of The Riviera. Make sure that
the memories you leave behind are good ones. |
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COMMENTS WELCOME |
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If you have any memories of The Riviera that you would like
to share with our readers, please send them to me through the following
email
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